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Hannah  Logan  Smith 


A  Collection  of  Religious  Memoirs 
and  Extracts.  Vfritten  or 
selected  by  H.  L.  Smith 


Philadelphia 
1839 


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PREFACE 


Dear  Children: 

I  present  to  you  a  volume  containing  a  short 
memoir  of  your  father,  and  some  account  of  several 
persons  in  some  way  or  other  connected  with  our 
family.  There  are  also  many  extracts  from  books 
of  a  religious  tendency,  which  I  was  induced  to 
copy  from  a  hope  that  they  might,  by  the  Divine 
blessing,  be  made  of  use  to  some  of  you  when  I  can 
speak  to  you  no  more.  I  trust  that  there  is  nothing 
in  the  book  which  will  give  offence  to  any  one, 
however  differing  with  me  in  religious  opinions; 
for  it  is  in  truth  my  belief  that  God  is  no  respecter 
of  persons,  but  that  in  every  nation  they  who  fear 
Him  and  walk  in  the  path  of  duty  by  the  support 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  will  be  accepted  through  the 
Atonement  of  our  blessed  Lord. 

Although  it  is  not  so  material  in  a  book  which  is 
more  of  the  nature  of  a  manuscript,  not  being  in- 
tended for  sale  or  general  circulation,  yet  it  may  be 
well  to  state  that  when  I  first  thought  of  printing, 
it  was  merely  to  make  a  few  more  copies  of  the 
memoir  of  my  beloved  husband,  there  being  but  a 
single  one  remaining.  It  then  occurred  to  me  to  add 
the  testimony  concerning  my  dear  friend  Deborah 


722 


•••      • 

Darby,  and' I  went  on  from  time  to  time  to  add 

other  matters  which  I  thought  might  be  useful,  till 
the  book  has  grown  to  its  present  size.  While  it 
has  been  in  progress,  several  changes  by  death  and 
marriage  have  taken  place.  The  decease  of  the 
greatly  respected  Deborah  Logan,  and  the  marriage 
of  my  daughter  Esther  to  Dr.  Wistar,  are  noticed 
in  another  part  of  this  book;  but  I  may  here  men- 
tion the  marriage  of  my  husband's  grandaughter, 
Margaret  Wharton  Smith,  who  was  married  on 
the  Sth  of  1 1th  month,  1838,  by  Henry  J.  Morton, 
an  Episcopalian  Minister  of  the  Gospel,  to  George 
Harrison  White,  son  of  Thomas  H.  White. 

I  trust  that  nothing  has  been  omitted  which  ought 
to  have  been  here,  although  this  may  have  happened, 
as  the  work  has  been  long  in  hand.  If  it  be  so,  it 
is  not  intentional,  but  the  contrary,  and  I  hope  no 
one  will  think  there  was  any  want  of  respect  or 
affectionate  attention. 

I  offer  to  you,  dear  children,  the  contents  of  this 
little  volume,  conscious  that  I  have  prepared  it  in 
much  weakness  and  infirmity,  but  hoping  that  you 
will  receive  it  and  read  it  with  a  teachable  spirit; 
for  it  will  then,  whatever  its  defects,  be  blessed  to 
your  improvement.  It  may,  at  a  time  not  very 
remote,  be  a  memorial  to  you  of  your  affectionately 
attached  mother. 

Hannah  Logan  Smith. 

Philadelphia^  ith  Month,  1839. 


CONTENTS. 


A  Testimony  for  Deborah  Darby,         -  -  -  13 

A  Testimony,  &c.,  respecting  Rebecca  Byrd,  -  23 

A  Testimony  respecting  William  Byrd,  -  -  32 

A  Testimony  concerning  Ann  Brewster,     -  -  42 

Mary  Prior,      ------  47 

Sarah  Fisher,  -----  48 

Sarah  Stephenson,        -----  51 

Epistle  to  Thomas  Fisher,  -  -  -  55 

James  Logan  Fisher,    -----  58 

Papers  concerning  the  Banishment  of  Friends  in  the 

Revolutionary  War,  -  .  -  -  64 

Epistle  to  Sarah  G.  Dillwyn,         -  -  -  99 

Testimony  concerning  Hannah  Fisher,  -  -  100 

Benjamin  Ridgway  Smith,  -  -  -  103 

Nicholas  Wain,  -  -  -  -  -  104 

To  the  Memory  of  Mary  Dickinson,  -  -  149 

Lydia  Dean,  -----  150 

Hannah  Powell,      -----  154 

To  the  Memory  of  Peter  Yarnall,         -  -  -  156 

Wife  of  Robert  Barclay,      -  -  -  -  158 

John  Estaugh,  -  -  -  -  -  160 

In  Memory  of  Sarah  F.  Corlies,      -  -  -  167 

A  Memorial  concerning  Hannah  Smith,  -  -  168 

Some  account  of  John  Smith,  -  -  -  172 

James  Logan  to  his  son  William,         -  -  -  I74 

To  the  Memory  of  Joseph  Brown,  -  -  177 

Parson  Peters  to  Anthony  Benezet,      .  -  -  179 


VI 

Samuel  Fothergill,              -           -  -           -           180 

Faithfulness  in  Little  Things,              -  -           -      182 

On  the  Importance  of  Religion,      -  -           -            186 

On  Passing  Meeting,    -           -           -  -           -      193 
On  Love  to  God — Extracts  from  Joseph  John  Gurney,      195 

Memoir  of  the  Fisher  family,   -           -  -           -      237 

Visits  of  European  Friends  to  America,  -           -           272 

Visits  of  American  Friends  to  Europe,  -            -      283 

Testimony  concerning  Hannah  Lindley,  -           -           291 

Testimony  concerning  Jacob  Lindley,  -            -      294 

Last  illness  of  Benjamin  Ridgway  Smith,  -           297 

Memoir  of  James  Smith,           .           -  -           -      301 

Eulogium  on  Benjamin  R.  Smith,  -           -           306 

Deborah  Logan,            ,           ,           ,  ,           -      319 


A  Testimony  from  Shropshire  Monthly  Meeting, 
for  Deborah  Darby. 

Many  Friends  having  applied  for  copies  of  the 
following  Testimony,  Friends  of  Coalbrookdale 
have  printed  a  few,  for  their  satisfaction.  In  pass- 
ing it  through  the  press,  they  have  no  other  view, 
than  to  economize  time,  and  labour,  and  to  secure 
correctness  of  copy.  Though  printed,  it  is  not  pub- 
lished. Into  whosever  hands,  therefore,  the  follow- 
ing sheet  may  come,  they  are  requested  to  consider 
it  as  being  only  a  substitute  for  manuscript  commu- 
nication. 

Coalbrookdale,  6th  Month  22nd,  1810. 

<<The  righteous,'^  it  is  written,  ^^shall  be  had  in 
everlasting  remembrance;"  and  it  is  important  to 
survivors,  to  retrace  their  steps,  and  to  commemo- 
rate their  conduct;  whether,  as  continued  memorials 
of  the  Divine  power,  and  goodness,  or,  as  addition- 
al waymarks  to  succeeding  generations.  Hence,  we 
are  induced  to  give  forth  the  following  testimony 
respecting  our  dear  deceased  friend,  Deborah 
Darby. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  John  and  Hannah  Bar- 
nard, and  was  born  at  Upperthorpe,  near  Sheffield, 
2 


14 

in  the  county  of  York,  on  the  25th  day  of  the  8th 
month,  1754. 

She  was,  naturally,  of  a  sweet  and  amiable  tem- 
per, and,  in  her  youth,  of  a  lively,  active  disposi- 
tion. In  early  life  she  was  frequently  favoured  to 
feel  the  overshadowings  of  Divine  regard,  and  was 
led  to  seek  opportunities  of  retirement,  wherein  she 
was  often  melted  into  tenderness.  This  practice  of 
frequent  religious  recollection,  having  proved  to 
herself  of  unspeakable  advantage,  in  tempering  the 
vivacity  of  her  own  sprightliness,  and  in  checking 
the  emotions  of  youthful  vanity,  she  was  often,  in 
after  life,  concerned  to  impress  it  upon  her  friends, 
and  especially  upon  the  youth.  Her  care  in  this 
respect  was  uniform  throughout  her  life.  Often, 
when  surrounded  by  companions  innocently  cheer- 
ful, her  vigilant  mind  would  withdraw  from  less 
important  subjects,  and  would  gradually  attract 
others  to  a  more  excellent  communion. 

She  was  married  to  her  friend  Samuel  Darby,  in 
the  8th  month,  1776,  and  resided  with  him  for  some 
time  in  London.  Her  husband  returning  into  Shrop- 
shire, they  settled  at  Coalbrookdale,  and  in  the  5th 
month,  1779,  she  appeared  in  the  ministry.  Expe- 
riencing a  growth  therein,  she  was  concerned  to 
travel,  and  in  the  year  1782,  she  received  a  certifi- 
cate to  visit  the  families  of  Friends  within  Grace- 
church-street  monthly  meeting,  and  for  some  other 
services.  A  dedicated  servant  in  the  cause  of  her 
Great  Master,  she  was  willing  to  spend  and  to  be 
spent  in  the  service  of  truth.  She  repeatedly  visited 
most  parts  of  this  kingdom,  Scotland,  and  Wales, 
with  many  of  the  islands  appertaining  thereto.  Three 
times  she  visited  Ireland,  and  once  she  performed  a 
religious  visit  to  Friends  in  North  America. 

Being  abundantly  endowed  with  the  love  of  the 
gospel,  her  line  of  service  was  not  confined  to  our 


15 

own  society,  but  she  was  much  led  to  those  of  other 
denominations,  amongst  whom  her  labours  were 
generally  acceptable.  She  was  frequently  concern- 
ed to  visit  those  in  prison,  and  we  have  reason  to 
believe  that  her  dedication  herein  was  particularly 
comfortable  to  some  under  condemnation. 

When  not  employed  in  services  abroad,  she  was 
diligent  in  attending  meetings  for  worship  and  dis- 
cipline at  home.  She  was  also  zealous  in  animating 
others  to  a  due  discharge  of  that  duty;  and  she  en- 
deavoured, as  far  as  her  power  and  influence  would 
extend,  to  furnish  the  means  of  attendance  to  as 
many  as  were  unprovided  therewith.  Solicitously 
attentive  to  her  religious  duties,  yet  was  she  not 
unmindful  of  those  which  are  relative  and  social. 
As  a  daup;hter,  a  sister,  a  wife,  and  a  mother,  she 
was  alike  tender  and  assiduous.  As  a  mother,  she 
was  particularly  desirous  that  no  improper  indul- 
gences might  injure  her  offspring.  Often,  also,  she 
was  concerned  to  inculcate  upon  parents  the  great 
importance  of  education,  and  the  necessity  for  early 
vigilance,  whereby  the  first  shoots  of  an  evil  pro- 
pensity are  discovered  and  suppressed.  Concerned 
for  the  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare  of  all,  she 
was  especially  solicitous  for  the  comfort  of  the 
poor,  and  increasingly  desirous  that  a  due  propor- 
tion of  her  outward  substance  should  be  expended 
on  their  behalf  Meek,  humble,  and  patient,  she 
was  not  apt  to  take  offence,  and  cautious  not  to  give 
it;  and  it  may  be  truly  said,  that  she  exemplified  in 
her  conduct  the  gospel  she  was  commissioned  to 
preach. 

Her  last  journey,  with  certificate,  was  under- 
taken in  the  spring  of  1808;  at  her  return  from 
which,  in  the  autumn  of  that  year,  she  appeared  to 
be  considerably  unwell,  and  exhausted  hy  fatigue. 
During  the  winter  her  debility  continued,  if  it  did 


16 

not  increase.  In  the  spring  of  the  following  year, 
she  found  a  concern  to  attend  the  quarterly  meeting 
for  Bristol  and  Somersetshire,  held  at  Bristol,  from 
whence  she  went,  for  the  benefit  of  her  health,  to 
Bath.  While  there,  her  illness  much  increased, 
and  she  was  removed  to  the  house  of  her  brother 
and  sister  Fowler,  at  Milksham.  There  she  was 
detained  for  some  weeks,  and  about  this  time,  as 
appears  by  a  date  affixed,  penned  the  following 
remark:  ^'I  have  had  some  precious  seasons  of  Di- 
vine overshadowing,  during  my  illness,  which  have 
been  better  than  all  the  cordials  administered  by 
my  medical  attendants." 

From  this  attack  she  so  far  recovered  as  to  re- 
turn into  Shropshire,  where  she  was  favoured  to 
experience  a  little  revival  of  strength,  and  was  ena- 
bled to  get  out  to  meetings  once  in  the  day,  and 
also  frequently  to  minister  acceptably  therein.  In 
a  memorandum  written  at  this  period,  she  says:  *^I 
think  it  is  a  mercy  to  be  enabled  to  get  out  to  our 
morning  meetings,  in  which  the  love  of  God  often 
flows  in  my  heart  towards  the  people."  In  another 
she  says,  *'Was  engaged  in  supplication,  after  a 
deep  exercise  in  spirit;"  and  further  adds,  <«I  am 
sometimes  strengthened  to  speak  well  of  his  name, 
who  lives  and  reigns,  and  is  for  ever  worthy.  I 
have  cause  to  be  thankful  for  strength  being  grant- 
ed to  sit  with  my  friends,  though  often  in  much 
poverty  of  spirit." 

As  the  winter  approached,  she  found  it  necessary 
to  confine  herself  to  the  house,  and  from  the  com- 
mencement of  the  present  year  chiefly  to  her  own 
apartment.  The  following  extract  from  her  memo- 
randums describes  her  experience  at  this  time.  '*I 
have  little  to  remark,  my  allotment  being  often  in 
suffering  as  to  the  body,  and  low  in  mind;  yet  can 
say,  God  is  good,  and  a  strong  hold  in  the  day  of 


17 

trouble."  After  recording  the  death  of  a  friend  in 
the  ministry,  her  memorandums  conclude  with  this 
paragraph:  **Thus,  the  church  is  stripped  of  its  pil- 
lars: may  the  Great  Lord  of  the  harvest  be  pleased 
to  raise  up  and  send  forth  more  faithful  labourers!" 

This  expression,  or  one  similar,  she  repeated  at 
different  times  during  her  illness:  ''If  I  can  be  of 
any  service  to  my  friends,  I  am  willing  to  live; 
otherwise  I  had  rather  go."  She  also  said,  ''Unless 
the  Lord  had  some  further  service  for  me  to  do,  I 
could  not  wish  to  stay  much  longer,  I  suffer  so 
much;  but  all  in  His  ordering  is  best."  Being  in 
great  pain  of  body,  she  said,  "It  would  be  a  great 
favour  to  have  a  little  ease;  once  more,  before  I 
leave  you,  I  should  like  to  be  a  little  cheerful;  for 
I  have  nothing  but  the  pains  of  the  body  to  make 
me  otherwise." 

When  a  friend  said  to  her,  "I  wish  thou  couldst 
get  a  little  sleep,"  she  replied,  "I  do  not  want  sleep; 
1  want  to  get  to  a  better  country."  At  another  time 
she  said,  "The  Lord  is  altogether  able  to  endue  with 
patience  if  he  pleaseth."  Becoming  very  sick,  she 
added,  "This  is  a  bitter  cup,  but  I  have  drank  many 
a  bitterer  cup  than  this;  it  is  trying  to  the  taberna- 
cle, but  I  have  no  conflict  of  mind."  Being  much 
exhausted  by  seeing  her  children,  grandsons,  and 
some  other  relations,  she  said  to  a  friend  who  sat 
beside  her,  "The  Lord  be  praised!  he  is  wonder- 
fully good  even  now."  About  three  days  before 
her  death,  she  said  to  a  friend  who  inquired  if  she 
had  any  thing  further  to  say  to  her;  "1  have  dropped 
counsel  as  I  passed  along,  and  perhaps  that  makes 
me  to  have  less  to  do  now."  A  friend  observing 
that  she  was  an  example  of  patience,  she  replied, 
"Sometimes,  as  I  am  helped."  When  in  extreme 
pain  of  body,  the  evening  before  her  death,  a  friend 
who  thought  she  had  asked  for  something,  said,  "Can 
2* 


18 


we  do  any  thing  for  thee?"  to  whom  she  replied  in 
the  words  of  the  apostle,  "Rejoice  evermore,  and  in 
every  thing,  give  thanks;"  and  shortly  afterwards, 
"The  Lord's  will  be  done!"  Her  mind  seemed  to 
be  engaged  in  supplication  for  some  time  after  this, 
but  her  articulation  could  not  be  understood. 

She  died  on  the  14th  day  of  the  2nd  month,  1810, 
and  was  buried  the  22nd  of  the  same,  in  Friend's 
burying  ground  at  Coalbrookdale,  aged  about  fifty- 
six  years,  a  minister  about  thirty  years. 

Read  and  approved  at  our  monthly  meeting  for 
Shropshire,  holden  at  Shrewsbury,  the  eleventh  day 
of  the  fourth  month,  1810,  and  on  behalf  thereof, 
signed  by 


Sarah  Darby. 
Lucy  Barhy. 
Hannah  Barnard. 
Rebecca  Darby. 
Snn  Dickinson. 
Hannah  Darby. 
Susannah  Appleby. 
Elizabeth  Ogden. 
*dnn  Dearman. 
Mary  Young. 
Jinn  Clarke. 
Margaret  Phillips. 
Sarah  Enock. 
Lucy  Robinson. 
Esther  Holtham. 
Hannah  Younge. 
Hannah  Bradley. 
Rosannah  Robinson. 


Robert  Barnard. 
Barnard  Dickinson. 
Francis  Darby. 
Joseph  Reynolds. 
John  Reynolds. 
Thomas  Reynolds. 
Edward  Simkin. 
Joseph  Enock. 
Robert  Enock. 
George  Morgan. 
Benjamin  Morgan. 
Thomas  Graham. 
William  Boycott. 
Satnuel  Simkin. 
William  Stanly. 
Richard  Collins. 
Newman  Cash. 


19 


[Our  beloved  D.  D.  had  an  aunt,  Rachel  Wilson, 
who  paid  a  very  acceptable  visit  to  Friends  in  Ame- 
rica some  years  preceding  her  niece's  visit,  whose 
name  and  services  I  have  heard  my  family  speak  of 
with  great  interest  and  acceptance;  her  home  when 
in  this  city,  was  at  my  grandfather  Joshua  Fisher's; 
under  the  same  roof  dear  Deborah  and  Rebecca 
mostly  staid,  at  my  uncle  S.  R.  Fisher's,  with 
whom  she  crossed  the  ocean  from  England,  towards 
whom,  as  also  with  his  valuable  wife,  H.  F.,  there 
was  a  close,  lasting  friendship,  (likewise  with 'my 
parents  and  our  united  families,)  which  I  am  in- 
duced to  mention  as  a  record,  that  it  is  good  to  en- 
tertain the  Lord's  children  and  people,  when  they 
are  thus  dignified,  dedicated,  and  clothed,  as  these 
devoted  servants  were,  with  the  blessed  power  of 
truth;  and  their  consistent^  humble  walking,  was 
remarkably  edifying  and  exemplary,  as  many  can 
testify.  Their  mission  being  that  of  love  and  per- 
suasion, particularly  to  the  youth,  towards  whom 
their  ministry,  I  trust,  was  blest,  being  a  precious 
visitation  extended  toward  those  of  this  description. 

And  desirable  it  is  by  the  faithfulness  of  indivi- 
duals many  more  may  be  engaged  to  ^'publish  with 
the  voice  of  thanksgiving  and  say  unto  Zion,  Thy 
God  reigneth." 

So  wisheth  and  prayeth  one  who  has  in  gratitude 
remembered,  and  commemorated  these  mercies. 

Nothing  can  be  more  just  than  this,  that  the  par- 
ticular affections  of  *^reverence  and  love"  towards 
"good  characters'*  are  natural  to  all  those  who  have 
any  degree  of  '^goodness  in  themselves" — and  there 
are  few  persons  so  lost  to  every  right  feeling,  as  not 
to  be  sensible  of  a  certain  degree  both  of  admiration 
and  attachment  towards  such  characters.  But  the 
truth  of  this  remark  is  still  more  clearly  proved  by 


20 

every  man's  experience  in  social  life.  It  is  the 
temperate,  the  just,  the  self-denying,  and  the  mer- 
ciful— it  is  those  who  are  ever  ready  to  sacrifice 
their  own  ease  and  comfort  for  the  benefit  of  others, 
wdio  obtain  the  esteem  even  of  general  society;  and 
in  the  narrower  circle  of  the  private  family,  these 
are  the  characters  who  are  sure  to  attract  the  largest 
measures  of  love.  Virtue,  indeed,  has  often  been 
the  object  of  scorn  and  persecution,  both  in  public 
and  private  life,  because  wicked  men  cannot  bear 
the  light  which  detects  and  condemns  their  own  con- 
duct; yet  there  is  something  in  the  mind  of  man 
which  compels  him  to  confess  her  excellence;  and 
no  sooner  are  we  ourselves  imbued  with  any  mea- 
sure of  her  influence,  than  we  feel  a  corresponding 
regard  for  all  those  who  follow^  her  guidance,  and 
obey  her  laws.  "\¥e  own  and  feel  the  force  of 
amiable  and  worthy  qualities  in  our  fellow-crea- 
tures," and  can  we  be  insensible  to  the  contempla- 
tion of  perfect  goodness? 

When  the  religion  of  Jesus  has  become  influential 
in  the  mind,  Christianity  brings  God  very  near  to 
us.  He  meets  the  perception  of  his  reconciled  chil- 
dren in  every  flower  that  blossoms,  in  every  star 
that  shines,  and  in  every  cloud  that  floats  across  the 
sky.  They  find  him  in  daily,  hourly  contact  with 
themselves,  in  his  providential  mercies,  in  his  pa- 
rental care. 

We  may  now  advert  to  a  principle  of  much  prac- 
tical importance — that  the  love  which  good  charac- 
ters excite  in  the  minds  of  men,  who  have  ^^any 
spark  of  goodness"  in  themselves,  is  always  accom- 
panied by  a  desire  to  imitate  the  patterns  which  they 
admire  and  approve.  What  person  can  find  his  best 
affections  drawn  forth  by  noble  and  generous  cha- 
racters in  the  history  of  his  country,  without  feel- 
ing some  ardent  wishes  to  act  on  the  same  princi- 


21 

pies  of  virtue  and  charity?  The  force  of  example 
is  felt  even  in  large  communities;  and  goodness, 
under  the  divine  blessing,  is  often  diffused  in  socie- 
ty, through  the  tendency,  so  common  amongst  men, 
to  imitate  those  of  their  neighbours  who  are  the 
objects  of  their  regard.  The  same  principle  applies 
with  redoubled  force  to  the  domestic  circle.  When 
we  are  instructed  and  comforted  from  day  to  day 
by  the  good  conduct  of  our  dearest  friends,  it  is  im- 
possible for  us  (if  our  minds  be  in  any  degree  under 
a  right  influence)  not  to  desire,  and  almost  impossi- 
ble not  to  endeavour,  to  be  of  the  same  mind,  the 
same  character.  This  indeed  is  a  test  by  which  we 
may  try  our  love;  for  if  such  a  desire  is  strange  to 
us,  we  may  rest  assured  that  our  afiections  have 
never  been  rightly  excited.  There  is  something  in 
the  inmost  feelings  of  every  true  believer,  which 
responds  to  that  precept,  ''Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am 
holy."  Enamoured  with  the  beauty  of  the  Holy 
One  of  Israel,  and  panting  after  a  resemblance  to 
his  righteous  attributes,  he  bends  the  whole  force 
of  his  soul  to  the  race  of  holiness;  and  behold,  he 
becomes  a  new  creature  in  Christ  Jesus;  he  puts  on 
''the  new  man,  which  after  God  is  created  in  right- 
eousness and  true  holiness."  Thus  is  the  love  of 
the  christian  towards  that  Being,  in  whom  all  love- 
liness dwells,  graciously  rewarded  by  a  daily  in- 
creasing resemblance  to  the  highest  object  of  his 
regard. 

"For  God,  who  commanded  light  to  shine  out  of 
darkness,  hath  shined  in  our  hearts,  to  give  the 
light  of  the  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the 
face  (or  person)  of  Jesus  Christ." 

Now,  as  the  christian  character  is  gradually  form- 
ed in  obedience  to  the  precepts  of  Jesus,  and  after 
his  example,  the  image  of  God  is  renewed  in  the 
soul. 


22 

It  appears,  then,  that  when  there  is  any  spark  of 
goodness  in  men,  their  love  and  regard  is  naturally 
attracted  by  virtuous  characters:  The  more  the 
child  is  strengthened  in  his  moral  principles,  the 
more  he  will  love  the  parent  in  whose  conduct  those 
principles  are  displayed;  and  further  goes  to  evince 
how  important  thus  that  the  christian  should  be 
watchful  and  diligent  in  maintaining  his  commu- 
nion with  God! 

H.  L.  S.] 


23 


Ji  Testimony  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  of 
Shaftesbury  and  Sherborne,  in  the  County  of 
Dorset,  respecting  Rebecca  Byrd,  of  Mam- 
hull,  deceased. 

[Sent  b}'  William  Foster,  a  respectable  minister  from  England, 
to  H.  L.  Smith.] 

It  having  pleased  the  Lord  to  take  from  amongst 
us  our  beloved  friend,  Rebecca  Byrd,  we  think  it 
right  to  give  forth  the  following  testimony  respect- 
ing her. 

She  was  a  woman  that  feared  the  Lord  from  her 
youth,  and,  in  her  love  to  Christ,  she  took  up  her 
cross  daily,  denied  herself,  and  followed  him.  She 
was  remarkable  for  the  constancy  of  her  faith  in  the 
immediate  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  was 
deeply  attentive  to  its  intimations,  during  the  course 
of  her  walk  in  life.  It  was  given  her  to  build  on 
the  foundation  of  the  prophets  and  apostles,  Jesus 
Christ  himself  being  the  chief  corner  stone;  and  we 
believe  that  he,  in  whom  she  trusted  as  her  strength 
and  her  redeemer,  was  with  her  to  the  end  of  her 
days. 

As  a  minister  of  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God, 
she  was  sound  in  doctrine,  weighty,  and  scriptural. 
We  believe  her  to  have  been  faithful  to  her  calling, 
and  patient  in  waiting  for  the  renewing  of  the  Holy 
Ghost;  and  both  in  her  early  dedication,  and  in  ad- 
vanced life,  careful  not  to  move,  either  in  her 
travels  abroad,  or  in  the  appointment  of  meetings, 
or  in  the  exercise  of  her  gift  generally,  without  an 
evidence  of  the  quickening  virtue  of  the  Spirit  of 
Christ  putting  her  forth,  and  engaging  her  in  his 
service.     Unity  amongst  the  believers  was  espe- 


24 

cially  valuable  to  her.  She  was  constant  in  her 
friendships,  and  to  the  poor  in  her  own  neighbour- 
hood she  was  kind  and  considerate;  and,  in  propor- 
tion to  her  means,  which  were  never  very  abundant, 
she  endeavoured  to  administer  to  their  relief,  even 
by  abridging  herself  of  some  personal  comforts. 

Our  dear  friend  was  the  daughter  of  John  and 
Jane  Young,  of  Shrewsbury.  In  her  very  early 
years  she  was  the  subject  of  serious  religious  im- 
pressions, which  were  sometimes  induced  by  the 
ministry  of  friends  who  visited  her  father's  family, 
and  at  other  times  by  the  immediate  influences  of 
Divine  love. 

We  have  received  but  few  particulars  of  that  pe- 
riod of  life  which  elapsed  between  her  childhood 
and  the  twenty -fourth  year  of  her  age,  about  which 
time  she  was  awakened  to  deep  religious  thoughtful- 
ness,  and  to  a  sense  of  many  transgressions.  The 
hand  of  the  Lord  was  heavy  upon  her  for  a  season. 
She  sought  in  prayer  for  restoration  to  his  favour; 
and  ver-y  earnest  was  her  engagement  of  mind,  that 
in  all  things  she  might  be  brought  into  conformity 
to  the  Divine  Will.  She  was  gradually  drawn  into 
separation  from  her  former  companions;  and  in  her 
waiting  before  the  Most  High,  she  had  clearly  to 
see  that  He  was  preparing  her  for  the  work  of  the 
ministry.  A  prospect  of  this  line  of  religious  ser- 
vice had,  it  appears,  been  opened  to  her  in  child- 
hood; but  whilst  her  mind  was  occupied  with  youth- 
ful vanities,  it  had  been  much  obscured.  Being 
subsequently  humbled  in  the  presence  of  her  Lord, 
and  in  great  measure  crucified  to  the  world,  the  call 
was  renewed,  and  she  was  made  willing  to  obey  the 
requiring.  Her  first  appearance  in  the  ministry 
was  in  1784,  in  the  twenty-sixth  year  of  her  age. 
In  this  dedication  of  herself  to  the  service  of  Christ, 
she  not  only  enjoyed  the  unity  of  friends,  but  was 


25 

also  favoured  with  that  peace  of  mind  which  had 
become  precious  to  her  above  all  other  things.  She 
was  very  soon  engaged  to  travel  abroad  in  the  work 
of  the  gospel;  and  before  the  close  of  that  year,  she 
became  the  companion  of  our  beloved  friend  Debo- 
rah Darby,  in  a  visit  to  the  principality  of  Wales. 
They  were  closely  united  in  the  fellowship  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ;  and  from  that  time  to  the  death  of 
our  said  friend,  in  1810,  they  were,  with  little  in- 
termission, employed  in  the  same  service,  visiting 
most  parts  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland;  and  in  the 
year  1793  they  were  engaged  in  a  visit  to  Friends 
in  North  America,  in  which  arduous  service  they 
were  absent  three  years. 

In  the  year  1800  she  was  married  to  our  dear 
friend  William  Byrd,  of  Marnhull,  and  became  a 
member  of  this  monthly  meeting;  and  in  company 
with  her  husband,  subsequently  to  the  decease  of 
Deborah  Darby,  she  continued  to  make  proof  of  her 
ministry,  not  only  in  our  own  society,  but  also  ex- 
tensively among  those  of  other  denominations,  in 
various  parts  of  this  nation,  Scotland,  and  Ireland. 
Her  ministry  was  exercised  in  much  watchfulness, 
and  deep  humility;  and  its  tendency  was  not  only 
to  gather  the  people  to  Christ,  that  he  might  be- 
come their  Saviour  from  sin,  but  that,  taught  of 
him,  they  might  be  brought  to  a  clear  understand- 
ing of  the  spirituality  and  peaceableness  of  his  king- 
dom. Having  passed  through  many  conflicts  of 
spirit,  and  being  kept  alive  to  a  sense  of  her  own 
infirmities,  she  was  prepared  to  sympathize  with 
those  who  were  in  temptation,  and  tried  with  doubt 
and  discouragement.  To  the  weary,  the  heavy 
laden,  and  those  who  were  in  tribulation  and  de- 
pression, it  was  often  given  her  to  speak  a  word  for 
their  comfort,  and  the  strengthening  of  their  faith. 

Whilst  attending  the  yearly  meeting  of   1829, 
3 


26 

she  was  seized  with  an  affection  of  apoplexy,  from 
which  she  was  so  far  restored,  as  to  be  frequently 
and  acceptably  engaged  in  her  own  meeting,  and  in 
our  monthly  and  quarterly  meetings,  in  the  attend- 
ance of  which  she  had,  during  her  health,  been  very 
exemplary,  and  eminently  serviceable. 

For  about  two  years  previous  to  her  decease,  she 
was  tried  with  much  bodily  suffering;  and  although 
confined  at  home,  and  living  in  a  situation  much 
secluded  from  intercourse  with  friends,  it  was  evi- 
dent that  her  love  to  the  cause  of  Christ,  and  her 
interest  in  the  welfare  of  our  own  society,  and  the 
progress  of  true  religion  in  the  world  at  large,  were 
in  nowise  abated.  For  the  youth  amongst  us,  she 
had  long  felt  an  affectionate  and  ardent  solicitude; 
and  it  might  be  truly  said,  that  she  had  no  greater 
joy  than  to  behold  the  children  of  her  friends  walk- 
ing in  the  truth.  Her  concern  for  our  young  peo- 
ple is  so  fully  expressed  in  the  following  paper, 
which,  though  without  date,  appears  to  have  been 
written  in  the  course  of  her  illness,  it  is  thought  de- 
sirable to  insert  it. 

"Often,  very  often,  of  later  time,  when  not  well 
enough  to  move  amongst  my  friends  as  heretofore, 
my  mind  has  been  led  to  remember  some  of  my 
younger  friends  with  earnest  desires  that  it  may 
please  my  Heavenly  Father  to  extend  his  gracious 
visitations  to  their  souls,  even  as  he  was  mercifully 
pleased  to  extend  them  to  my  soul,  when  young  in 
years,  so  that  all  within  me  was  bowed  under  the 
sense  of  his  mercy  and  love  in  calling  me,  an  un- 
worthy creature,  who  had  often  turned  a  deaf  ear  to 
his  secret  wooings  and  strivings — in  calling  me  into 
a  straight  and  narrow  way,  even  the  way  of  the 
cross;  which  for  a  season  was  bitter  to  me,  and  I 
was  ready  to  conclude  I  never  could  yield  my  neck 
to  such  a  yoke.     But  oh!  his  boundless  goodness 


27 

in  softening  and  melting  my  heart,  until  it  became 
willing  to  obey,  and  cheerfully  submit  to  be  ac- 
counted a  fool  amongst  my  former  associates;  and 
when  this  submission  was  brought  about,  then  to  fill 
my  mind  with  a  sense  of  his  goodness,  so  that  I 
could  joyfully  follow  him  in  that  way,  which  before 
had  appeared  so  narrow  that  I  had  considered  it 
impossible  to  walk  therein.  The  sense  of  the  love 
and  mercy  which  was  at  that  day  extended  to  me, 
humbles  my  spirit  while  I  record  it,  and  raises  liv- 
ing desires  that  the  same  gracious  power  may  so 
draw,  and  so  strengthen  many  minds  in  this  day, 
as  to  enable  them  to  forego  every  pleasant  picture, 
or  creaturely  prospect,  and  to  leave  all  that  is  be-, 
hind;  and  in  simplicity  of  heart  to  yield  to  the 
secret  intimations  of  the  Heavenly  Visitant,  who 
would  deal  bountifully  with  them,  and  make  them 
lambs  of  his  pasture  and  sheep  of  his  fold;  clothing 
them  from  time  to  time  with  every  requisite  for  the 
warfare  unto  which  he  is  pleased  to  call  them.  And 
thus  servants  and  handmaids  will  be  raised  up  to 
succeed  those  who  may  be  shortly  called  from 
works  to  rewards;  some  of  whom,  though  now 
much  unfitted  for  active  service,  can  thankfully  ac- 
knowledge that  they  have  not  served  a  hard  mas- 
ter; and  therefore  strong  are  their  desires  that  a 
succeeding  generation  may  wisely  give  up  their 
names  to  be  enrolled  as  advocates  in  his  blessed 
cause." 

Her  state  of  mind  at  this  time  may  be  inferred 
from  the  subjoined  extracts  from  her  private  memo- 
randums. 

"Tenth  month  19th,  1832. — Serious  thoughts  of 
death  almost  constantly  attend  me,  night  and  day; 
yet  death  does  not  appear  in  prospect  to  have  any 
sting.  I  hope  this  does  not  arise  from  stupefaction, 
though  much  mental  weakness  is  my  companion, 


28 

but  from  a  humble  trust  that  mercy  and  peace  await 
me." 

"Twelfth  month. — 0  that  I  could  sing  of  mercy 
and  judgment,  as  some  have  often  done!  But  I  am 
poor  and  empty;  yet  my  heart  craves  good.  Help, 
Lord!  if  it  be  thy  will,  and  suffer  me  not  to  de- 
spair, however  tried;  for  I  have  loved  thee  and  thy 
truth,  even  from  a  child.  Oh!  that  in  old  age  I 
may  not  forget  thee,  who  wast  the  dew  of  my 
youth,  and  my  helper  in  time  of  trouble. 

^^Third  month  12th,  1833. — Since  the  twelfth 
month  last,  I  have  been  wholly  confined  to  the 
house,  and  much  to  my  chamber  and  bed;  with 
great  pain  both  day  and  night:  many  of  the  latter 
have  been  nearly  sleepless.  0  that  I  could  be  satis- 
fied that  patience  has  had  its  perfect  work!  One 
only  knows  my  conflicts  of  mind  and  body— may 
his  compassion  not  fail." 

Her  sufferings  continued  to  increase,  and  she  was 
often  afflicted  with  very  acute  pain,  and  at  times 
involved  in  mental  conflict,  by  the  withdrawing  of 
that  sense  of  the  presence  of  her  Saviour  which  had 
been  her  joy  and  song  in  the  course  of  her  christian 
pilgrimage.  In  this  time  of  trial,  her  faith  did  not 
fail;  she  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  prayer,  and  we  be- 
lieve her  prayer  was  granted,  and  that  He  to  whom 
she  desired  to  commit  the  keeping  of  her  soul,  in 
his  ever-watchful  care  and  love,  was  with  her,  and 
assisted  her  endeavours  to  stay  her  mind  on  him. 
One  evening,  when  very  ill,  and  thinking  that  per- 
haps she  might  leave  this  state  of  being  before  the 
morning,  she  wished  her  friends  to  know  that, 
although  her  sufferings  were  very  great,  she  did  not 
murmur;  neither  had  she  a  murmuring  thought. 
Speaking  of  her  religious  service,  she  frequently 
said,  that  she  knew  of  nothing  that  she  had  left  un- 
done that  was  required  of  her,  and  that  she  felt  no 


29 

condemnation.  And  on  another  occasion,  sending 
a  message  to  one  for  whom  she  was  religiously  ex- 
ercised, she  said,  "Tell  her,"  alluding  to  her  own 
state  of  mind,  <<it  is  all  peace  within,  and  I  am  wait- 
ing to  be  wafted  away  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  where  I 
wish  her  to  come  to  me."  Within  half  an  hour  of 
her  departure,  though  it  was  not  considered  by  her 
attendants  that  her  end  was  immediately  at  hand, 
her  husband,  who  for  many  weeks  had  been  con- 
fined to  his  chamber,  with  much  weakness,  was  as- 
sisted to  her  bed-side.  On  enquiring  how  she  felt 
herself,  she  said  she  had  no  pain  of  mind,  the  pain 
of  the  body  only,  and  that  *^her  peace  was  made." 
She  spoke  but  little  after  this  interview,  and  quietly 
expired  on  the  morning  of  the  24th  of  the  5th 
month,  1834,  in  the  76th  year  of  her  age,  and  was 
interred  at  Marnhull,  the  1st  of  the  6th  month.  A 
minister  about  fifty  years. 

Read,  approved,  and  signed  in  our  Monthly 
Meeting,  held  at  Shaftesbury,  the  31st  of  3d  month, 
1835,  by  men  and  women  Friends. 

Jit  a  General  Meeting  for  Dorset  and  Hants,  held 
at  Poole,  the  2nd  of  the  Ath  month,  1835 — 

The  foregoing  Testimony,  respecting  our  beloved 
friend,  Rebecca  Byrd,  has  been  read  amongst  us; 
and  this  meeting,  in  lively  remembrance  of  the  con- 
sistency of  her  christian  conduct,  her  humility  and 
watchfulness,  and  the  faithfulness  with  which  she 
laboured  amongst  us,  and  her  devotedness  to  the 
cause  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  the 
end  of  her  days,  cordially  unites  therewith. 

Stockwell  Common,  8th  of  8th  month,  1793. 
Dear  friends:* 

Your  intended  voyage  to  America  on  religious 

*  Deborah  Darby  and  Rebecca  Young. 
3* 


30 

service,  being  noticed  in  the  Yearly  Meeting  of 
women  Friends  in  London,  and  the  sympathy  then 
felt,  and  the  silent  tears  shed  on  the  occasion,  gave 
rise  to  the  following  lines,  which  at  that  time 
I  took  my  pencil  and  wrote  in  part.  Your  accept- 
ance of  them  as  a  token  of  my  affection  will  be 
pleasing  to  your  unknown  friend. 

Why  drops  the  tender  tear?  'Tis  pain  to  part. 

Say,  why  these  secret  sighs  each  bosom  heave? 
The  truly  tender,  sympathizing  heart, 

Feels  these  sensations,  tho'  it  dares  not  grieve. 

I  feel  the  self-devotion  in  my  breast. 

And  pay  the  tribute  of  a  parting  tear; 
But  true  obedience  leads  to  peaceful  rest, 

Preserves  the  soul  from  feeling  guilty  fear. 

Darby  is  zealous  in  her  Master's  cause, 
Leaves  her  connexions  and  her  native  land. 

Obedience  yields  to  the  great  power  that  draws. 
Young  also  joins  her  in  the  known  command. 

Under  his  guiding  hand  how  safe  to  move! 

Be  Israel's  God  your  glory  and  defence! 
Acting  from  motives  of  the  purest  love, 

A  rock  so  stable  who  shall  pluck  you  thence! 

Nor  dare  we  venture  to  detain  you  here, 

But  recommend  to  that  protecting  arm; 
May  pure  unerring  wisdom  guide  your  way, 

Defend  from  danger  in  impending  harm. 

May  He,  who  bid  the  raging  waves  be  still, 
Smooth  the  rough  billows  of  the  foaming  main. 

Shelter  beneath  his  wing  from  ev'ry  ill. 

Succeed  your  labours,  soothe  your  ev'ry  pain. 

"Lo!  I  am  with  you  always  to  the  end!" 

Advert  to  this  in  ev'ry  trying  hour. 
The  mighty  God  and  Saviour  is  your  friend, 

Sufficient  is  his  all-sustaining  power. 

To  bring  you  safe  thro'  each  tempestuous  blast. 

From  whatsoever  quarter  it  may  rise. 
Still  to  preserve  you  safe  'till  all  is  past. 

And  then  to  land  you  in  the  peaceful  skies. 


31 

So  prays  your  unknown  friend  with  numbers  more, 
But  oh!  before  you  reach  the  land  of  rest, 

May  He  who  reigns  our  ancient  power  restore, 
Zion  once  more  in  all  the  earth  be  blest. 


Composed  hy  Sarah  Stephens*  for  Rebecca  D.  Smith  to  address  her 
Mother^s  friend  Rebecca  Byrd. 

Thou  long  hast  been  my  mother's  friend, 

As  such  I  can  but  wish  to  prove, 
And  venture  o'er  the  waves  to  send 

The  tribute  of  her  daughter's  love. 

She  tells  me,  that  in  days  gone  by. 

The  ties  of  home,  the  friends  of  youth. 
Were  left  by  thee  without  a  sigh. 

To  promulgate  the  blessed  Truth. 

That  thou  didst  brave  the  ocean's  wrath. 

Didst  cross  the  broad  Atlantic's  wave, 
Tho'  pestilence  was  in  thy  path. 

Didst  prove  Omnipotence  could  save. 

She  tells  me  too,  that  by  thy  side 

An  earthly  friend  was  ever  found. 
That  both  on  the  same  God  relied. 

That  both  were  on  one  errand  bound; 

That  when  your  mission  was  fulfilled. 

The  services  required  were  o'er. 
Full  many  an  eye  by  sorrow  fill'd. 

Wept  your  departure  from  our  shore. 

Yes!  there  are  hearts  which  still,  full  well. 

Remember  all  their  love  to  thee. 
And  mothers  who  their  children  tell 

The  same  my  mother  told  to  me. 

Years  have  gone  by;  each  added  year 

To  thee  a  good  old  age  has  given; 
We  may  not  hope  to  meet  thee  here. 

But  we  may  hope  to  meet  in  Heaven. 

6/^  month  1,  1829. 

*  Sarah  Stephens  was  a  great  niece  of  the  beloved  James 
Smith. 


32 


A  Testhnony  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  of 
Shaftesbury  and  Sherborne,  in  the  County  of 
Dorset,  respecting  Willam  Byrd,  of  Mam- 
hull,  deceased, 

[I  am  indebted  to  S.  P.  Morris,  whose  mother  was  a  particu- 
lar and  dear  friend  of  mine,  for  the  copy  of  the  following  me- 
moir of  the  husband  of  my  valued  friend  Rebecca  Byrd,  which 
he  brought  with  him  from  England,  and  has  kindly  spared  to 
me  for  insertion.] 

Our  ancient  friend  William  Byrd,  departed  this 
life  at  Marnhull,  on  the  16th  of  the  twelfth  month, 
1S35,  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age,  and  was 
interred  in  Friends'  burying-ground  at  Marnhull,  on 
the  22nd  of  the  same,  having  been  a  Minister  about 
forty-three  years. 

In  bearing  our  testimony  to  the  Christian  charac- 
ter and  religious  services  of  our  dear  friend,  we  trust 
we  may  be  allowed  to  apply  to  him  the  words  of 
Holy  Scripture,  respecting  a  servant  of  the  Lord, 
in  days  of  old,  that  he  was  ^'a  faithful  man,  and 
feared  God  above  many."  We  counted  him  an 
Elder  worthy  of  double  honour:  and  he  was  be- 
loved amongst  us  as  a  father  in  Christ. 

Of  his  early  life  we  have  not  been  able  to  gather 
many  particulars.  He  was  born  at  Uffculm,  in  the 
county  of  Devon,  in  the  year  1757;  his  parents,  who 
were  members  of  our  religious  society,  were  con- 
cerned for  his  education  consistently  with  our  Chris- 
tian profession.  In  his  youth,  though  it  is  believed 
that  he  was  much  preserved  from  the  corruptions  of 
the  world,  yet  he  occasionally  deviated  from  the 
plainness  in  which  he  had  been  brought  up;  but 
being  favoured  with  serious  religious  impressions, 


33 

he  soon  adopted  the  simple  habits  of  Friends.  In 
recurring,  in  after  life,  to  these  early  acts  of  obe- 
dience, he  thought  he  could  perceive  cause  to  be- 
lieve that  they  were  owned  by  tokens  of  Divine 
approbation.  About  the  twenty-second  year  of  his 
age  he  left  home,  and  became  an  assistant  in  busi- 
ness to  a  friend  at  Long-ham,  in  the  county  of  Dor- 
set: whilst  living  in  that  situation  he  is  remembered 
as  a  young  man  of  decidedly  religious  character,  and 
of  circumspect  conduct;  and  there  is  strong  reason 
to  believe  that  the  work  of  the  Lord  was,  at  that 
time,  making  progress  in  his  heart.  In  the  course 
of  about  tvvo  years,  he  removed  to  the  village  of 
Marnhull,  and  entered  into  business,  upon  a  small 
scale,  as  a  shop-keeper.  It  is  the  testimony  of  those 
who  were  then  acquainted  with  him,  and  who  had 
the  opportunity  of  marking  his  subsequent  walk  in 
life,  that  in  conducting  his  concerns  in  trade,  in  his 
deportment  in  private  life,  and  in  his  intercourse 
with  the  world,  it  appeared  to  be  his  earnest  and 
unremitting  exercise,  to  have  a  conscience  void  of 
offence  toward  God  and  tov^ard  men.  He  was  scru- 
pulously upright  in  all  his  transactions;  and,  though 
far  from  indifferent  to  the  importance  of  obtaining 
a  comfortable  independence  in  life,  as  well  as  to  the 
means  of  contributing  to  the  relief  of  the  wants  of 
others,  it  was  evident  that  his  affections  were  set 
upon  things  above  rather  tlian  on  things  on  the 
earth;  this  was  remarkably  exemplified  not  only  by 
his  constant  attendance  of  meetings  for  Divine  wor- 
ship, but  by  his  concern  that  the  different  members 
of  his  family  might  enjoy  the  same  privilege:  with 
this  view  he  thought  it  right,  even,  when  in  very 
limited  circumstances,  to  shut  up  his  shop  during 
the  time  of  the  week-day  meeting.  This,  he  re- 
marks, in  a  memorandum  made  about  that  time,  was 
when  he  did  not  know  it  to  be  the  practice  of  any 


34 

other  Friend  in  the  nation.  After  having  been  a 
few  years  in  trade,  in  grateful  record  of  the  goodness 
of  Divine  Providence,  he  notices  the  blessing  which 
had  rested  upon  his  honest  endeavours:  <*Very 
little,"  says  he,  '^had  I  to  begin  with  in  business 
something  less  than  four  years  since,  in  which  time 
I  have  gained,  I  believe,  at  least  five  times  the  sum 
with  which  I  began." 

The  Holy  Scriptures  were  precious  to  him,  and 
he  was  at  that  time  punctual  in  collecting  his  family 
every  evening  for  the  reading  of  them;  and  it  was 
observed  that  he  regularly  set  apart  a  portion  of  the 
day  for  private  religious  retirement,  a  practice  in 
which  he  continued  to  old  age.  As  he  grew  in  grace, 
and  became  increasingly  subjected  to  the  government 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  was  gradually  prepared  for  use- 
fulness in  the  Church;  and  in  the  thirty-fifth  year  of 
his  age  he  came  forwards  as  a  Minister  amongst  us. 
He  appears  to  have  entered  upon  the  service  in  fear 
and  much  trembling;  and  he  was  frequent  in  awful 
and  reverent  waiting  upon  God,  in  a  watchful  and 
teachable  spirit,  that  he  might  be  instructed  to  the 
knowledge  of  his  will  in  this  great  duty,  and  be 
preserved  under  the  safe  leading  of  the  Heavenly 
Shepherd.  He  was  sound  in  doctrine,  and  his 
ministry  was  exercised  in  simplicity,  and  in  de- 
monstration of  the  Spirit  and  of  power.  He  sought 
not  the  praise  of  men;  but  in  the  exercise  of  the 
gift  that  had  been  bestowed  upon  him,  he  humbly 
and  honestly  endeavoured  to  approve  himself  faith- 
ful to  his  great  Lord  and  Master  in  the  work  to 
which  he  had  been  pleased  to  appoint  him. 

In  the  year  1800,  he  was  married  to  our  friend 
Rebecca  Young,  of  Shrewsbury.  In  her,  he  found 
a  companion  well  prepared  to  unite  with  him  in  a 
self-denying  course  of  Christian  dedication:  and, 
we  believe,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say,  respecting  our 


S5 

beloved  friends,  that  it  was  their  daily  concern,  like 
Zecharias  and  Elizabeth,  to  walk  together  in  all  the 
commandments  and  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blame- 
less; and  having,  each  of  them,  received  a  dispensa- 
tion of  the  gospel,  they  sought  to  adorn  the  doctrine 
of  God  our  Saviour  in  all  things.  They  were  ex- 
amples amongst  us  of  a  cheerful  contentment,  in 
the  plainness  of  the  furniture  of  their  house,  in  the 
simplicity  of  their  mode  of  life,  and  in  the  modera- 
tion of  their  expenses.  Their  means  were  at  no 
time  abundant,  but  they  were  kind  and  liberal  to 
the  poor,  generous  in  their  hospitality,  and  espe- 
cially engaged  to  help  and  succour  those  who  came 
amongst  us  in  the  work  of  the  ministry.  They  had, 
both  of  them.,  been  brought  into  much  religious  con- 
cern on  account  of  the  continuance  of  the  African 
Slave  Trade,  and  the  subsequent  slavery  of  its  vic- 
tims. From  early  life  they  had  individually  thought 
it  laid  upon  them,  as  a  testimony  against  that  un- 
righteous gain  of  oppression,  to  abstain  from  the  use 
of  the  produce  of  West  India  Slavery;  and  our 
friend,  William  Byrd,  almost  from  the  first  of  his 
going  into  business,  and  at  a  considerable  loss  of  pro- 
fit, refused  to  deal  in  articles  of  that  description. 
They  took  a  deep  interest  in  those  measures  which, 
under  the  blessing  of  the  Lord,  tended  to  the  aboli- 
tion of  the  Slave  Trade;  and  after  many  years  of  sor- 
row and  suffering,  in  sympathy  with  this  afilicted  por- 
tion of  our  fellow-creatures,  they  lived  to  rejoice  in 
the  act  of  our  legislature,  by  which  slavery  was  de- 
clared to  be  illegal  throughout  the  British  dominions; 
and  though  at  that  time  far  advanced  in  age  and  much 
worn  by  sickness  and  infirmity,  their  sympathies 
were  still  alive  to  the  degradation  and  oppressive 
servitude  which  a  large  proportion  of  the  Negroes 
continued  to  suffer  in  our  colonial  possessions. 
For  several  years  the  ministry  of  our  dear  friend 


36 

was  much  confined  within  the  limits  of  this  county 
and  parts  adjacent.  On  his  marriage  he  was  not 
only  concerned  to  encourage  his  wife  in  her  de- 
votedness  to  the  cause  of  our  Holy  Redeemer,  but 
frequently  accompanied  her  in  her  travels,  and  for 
many  years  they  were  extensively  engaged  in  the 
work  of  the  Gospel,  in  various  parts  of  this  nation, 
and  in  Ireland,  and  he  bore  her  company  in  her 
second  visit  to  the  Orkney  Islands.  They  laboured 
diligently  both  among  Friends  and  the  people  at 
large,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  his  service 
on  these  occasions,  and  his  humble,  simple,  watch- 
ful deportment  were  acceptable  and  instructive. 
He  highly  valued  the  various  Christian  Testimonies 
of  our  religious  society,  and  was  zealously  concerned 
that  they  might  be  faithfully  and  uprightly  sup- 
ported by  Friends  everywhere.  He  was  frequently 
at  the  Yearly  Meeting,  and  thought  it  a  privilege 
to  be  allowed  to  unite  with  his  brethren  for  the  in- 
crease of  vital  Christianity  amongst  us;  and,  though 
a  man  of  good  understanding,  and  deep  experience, 
he  was  not  forward  in  giving  his  judgment;  but 
when  he  offered  an  opinion,  it  was  with  weight  and 
to  the  purpose.  He  was  a  lover  of  good  men  of 
every  denomination,  and  of  enlarged  charity,  and 
liberal  views;  tender  towards  such  as  had  been 
overtaken  in  a  fault;  never  seeming  to  forget  that 
he  himself  was  liable  to  temptation;  and  patient  in 
labour  for  the  restoration  of  transgressors.  In  the 
general  exercise  of  the  discipline  in  our  Monthly 
Meetings,  of  which  he  was  constant  in  his  attend- 
ance for  nearly  fifty  years,  he  was  religiously  con- 
cerned that  it  might  be  administered  in  the  meek- 
ness of  wisdom,  without  partiality,  and  to  the  honour 
of  the  cause  of  Truth:  that  this  was  the  exercise  of 
his  mind  to  the  close  of  life,  is  apparent  by  the  fol- 


37 

lowing  remarks  which  he  dictated  after  he  became 
confined  to  his  bed. 

26th  Twelfth  Month,  1833.  ^Sometime  after 
awaking  this  morning,  I  had  sweetly  to  recollect 
some  expressions  of  Jonah  Thompson,  when  near 
the  close  of  life,  which  I  thought  might,  in  mea- 
sure, be  applicable  to  myself;  that  he  had  in  posses- 
sion, "a  quiet,  easy  mind,  and  no  accuser  there;" 
but,  alas,  different  thoughts  occurred:  I  remember- 
ed, that  in  transacting  the  discipline  of  the  church, 
I  had  but  too  often  engaged  therein  without  waiting 
for  a  proper  qualification.  Under  these  different 
cogitations,  I  recollected  the  following  expressions 
of  John  Griffiths:  "The  true  labourer  must  in  every 
meeting,  and  upon  all  occasions  that  offer  for  ser- 
vice, receive  supernatural  aid,  and  a  renewed  un- 
derstanding by  the  immediate  descending  of  Hea- 
venly power  and  wisdom,  or  he  dare  not  meddle:" 
although  I  am  not  without  hope,  (that)  I  shall  be 
forgiven  in  the  day  of  account  for  this,  and  other 
deviations,  yet  I  am  persuaded,  had  I  thus  steered 
my  course,  my  engagements  in  that  line  would  have 
been  attended  with  more  peace  to  my  mind,  and 
been  more  to  the  promotion  of  the  cause  of  Truth.' 

As  he  advanced  in  life,  our  beloved  friend  did 
not  lose  sight  of  his  own  infirmity,  and  we  believe 
that,  through  the  help  of  the  Lord,  he  did  not  cease 
to  press  toward  the  mark  that  had  been  set  before 
him.  Christ  was  precious  to  his  soul,  and  he  gave 
satisfactory  evidence,  even  in  old  age,  that  in  a 
broken  and  contrite  spirit  he  rested  on  his  Saviour 
alone  for  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins,  and  his  final 
acceptance.  The  following  extracts  from  his  pa- 
pers, as  they  are  descriptive  of  his  religious  exer- 
cise, are,  we  think,  worthy  of  preservation. 

nth   First  Month,  1811.       <What  watchfulness 
and  prayer  are  necessary,  in  order  to  our  meeting 
4 


38 

every  event,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  with 
that  humility  and  dependence,  that  patience,  meek- 
ness, and  calm  resignation  which  become  the  pro- 
fessed followers,  and  more  especially  the  Ministers 
of  the  Captain  of  our  Salvation,  (of  Him)  who  took 
upon  himself  the  form  of  a  servant, — made  himself 
of  no  reputation — was  meek  and  lowly  in  heart — 
"endured  the  cross  and  despised  the  shame;  and 
left  us  an  example  that  we  should  follow  his  steps." 

2'lth  Tenth  Month,  1820.  *In  our  week-day 
meeting,  the  query  revived  in  my  mind,  '^What 
lack  I  yet?"  and  the  answer  of  my  heart  seemed  to 
be — more  reverent  watchfulness,  more  meekness, 
more  patience,  more  faith,  and  more  of  that  charity 
**which  beareth  all  things,  believeth  all  things, 
hopeth  all  things,  endureth  all  things,  and  never 
faileth." 

30th  Fourth  Month,  1824.  <0h!  saith  my  soul, 
may  the  watch  be  so  maintained  in  reverential  fear, 
(and  in  the)  meekness  and  patience  of  Jesus,  that 
preparation  and  a  growth  in  the  Truth  may  be  my 
continued  experience,  to  the  end  of  my  days.' 

For  the  last  four  years  of  his  life,  the  health  of 
our  dear  friend  was  much  impaired,  and  it  repeat- 
edly appeared  to  those  around  him,  that  his  end  was 
fast  approaching.  During  this  long  confinement 
his  mental  powers  occasionally  failed  him,  but  his 
recollection  was  often  clear;  and  he  was  able  to  take 
enjoyment  in  the  society  of  his  friends  and  near 
connexions.  He  was  kept  in  a  lowly,  watchful, 
and  dependent  mind,  often  numbering  his  blessings, 
and  with  much  tenderness  of  spirit  acknowledging 
to  the  kindness  and  love  of  our  Heavenly  Father. 
He  had  been  accustomed  to  look  upon  himself  but 
as  a  steward  over  the  bounty  of  a  gracious  Provi- 
dence towards  him;  and  when  after  his  own  wants, 
which  were  few,  had  been  supplied,  he  could  not 


39 

rest  satisfied  till  the  surplus  was  distributed  among 
his  poor  neighbours.  On  one  of  these  occasions, 
not  long  before  his  death,  on  its  being  observed  that 
he  might  need  it  for  himself,  he  replied  with  earnest- 
ness, "We  must  spend  it,  or  it  will  be  a  burthen 
greater  than  I  can  bear." 

Long  after  he  was  unable  to  read,  he  derived 
much  eomfort  from  having  the  Holy  Scriptures 
read  to  him;  and  in  those  times  which  were  de- 
voted to  retirement  before  the  Lord,  and  they  were 
frequent,  it  was  observed  by  his  niece  that  he  often 
appeared  to  be  engaged  in  prayer  and  thanksgiving. 
On  one  occasion,  in  the  early  part  of  his  illness,  he 
told  those  who  were  attending  upon  him,  that  he 
had  been  much  comforted,  and  thought  he  had  never 
been  nearer  the  Lord.  One  of  his  relations  some- 
time afterwards  going  into  the  room  and  enquiring 
how  he  was,  he  answered,  ^*Pretty  much  the  same; — 
feeble.  I  have  had  a  tendering  season,  and  thought 
all  my  sins  were  forgiven  me."  The  next  morning 
he  seemed  to  be  much  favoured  with  a  sense  of  the 
presence  of  his  Saviour,  and  said  he  thought  he  was 
(drawing)  nearer  his  desired  haven,  that  he  was  in 
peace  with  all  men,  and  had  nothing  to  do  but  to 
die.  After  having  been  in  a  very  low  state  of  mind 
for  several  days,  on  being  asked  how  he  was,  he 
said,  **More  comfortable;"  and  added  that  he  did 
>not  expect  such  comfort  before  he  went  hence;  and 
in  much  brokenness  of  spirit,  he  added;  ^'Oh,  what 
shall  I  render  to  the  Lord  for  all  his  mercies?"  On 
another  occasion,  in  grateful  retrospect  of  the  good- 
ness of  God  towards  him,  he  observed;  ^'Great  have 
been  the  mercies  of  my  Heavenly  Father  from  my^ 
youth  up:  had  he  not  placed  his  fear  in  my  heart, 
I  had  long  since  been  a  cast-away."  On  being  in- 
formed that  it  was  First  Day,  he  said,  '^0  that  it 
may  be  well  spent."     A  little  afterwards,  ^*I  can- 


40 

not  keep  up  the  exercise  I  could  wish;  I  have  great 
weakness  both  in  body  and  mind."  On  being  helped 
up  in  bed,  he  remarked,  *^A  posture  for  dying:  see 
with  what  peace  a  Christian  can  die — there  is  no- 
thing in  my  way:"  and  having  spoken  in  testimony 
to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  he  concluded  with  the 
language  of  praise,  **Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul; 
and  all  that  is  within  me  bless  his  Holy  Name." 
Such  expressions  as  the  following,  uttered  at  dif- 
ferent times,  indicate  that  his  mind  was  still  stayed 
on  God:  ''Oh,  the  sweet  peaceful  feeling  I  have  this 
evening,  I  would  not  exchange  it  for  all  the  king- 
doms of  this  world."  At  another  time:  ''A  calm 
and  peaceful  mind:  how  precious!"  and  again: 
"Lord,  now  let  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  for 
mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation."  Thus  it  was 
evident,  to  use  his  own  words,  that  ''death  had  no 
terrors  for  him."  He  continued  in  the  same  ten- 
der, submissive,  hopeful,  and  child-like  state  to  the 
end;  and  at  length  suddenly  and  unexpectedly 
passed  away,  with  very  little  apparent  suflfering. 

Our  dear  departed  friend  having  loved  and  ho- 
noured his  Lord  and  Saviour  upon  earth,  and  it  hav- 
ing been  his  chief  concern  in  life  to  watch  and  to  keep 
his  garments,  we  reverently  trust  that,  through  the 
riches  of  redeeming  grace,  it  has  been  given  to  him 
to  join  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect  in  the 
presence  of  God  and  of  the  Lamb. 

Read,  approved,  and  signed  in  our  Monthly 
Meeting,  held  at  Shaftesbury,  the  5th  of  4th  month, 
1836.  [Here  follow  the  signatures  of  men  and  wo- 
men Friends.] 

Jit  a  General  Meeting  for  Dorset  and  Hants, 
held  at  Poole,  the  1th  of  Ath  month,  1836, 

The  foregoing;  Testimony  respecting  our  dear  de- 
ceased friend,  William  Byrd,  has  been  read,  with 


41 

which  this  Meeting  fully  unites,  and  desires  that 
the  example  of  our  dear  friend  in  his  Christian  life 
and  conversation,  and  in  his  peaceful  end,  may  con- 
tinue to  live  in  our  remembrance. 

Signed  in  and  on  behalf  of  the  General  Meeting. 

Samuel  Hannam,  Clerk, 


42 


Ji  Testimony  of  Kingston  Monthly  Meeting,  in 
the  County  of  Surrey,  concerning  Ann  Brew- 
ster, of  Clapham,  deceased. 

[The  following  Testimony  was  appended  to  the  preceding 
concerning  William  Byrd.] 

In  the  remembrance  of  the  humility  and  dedica- 
tion to  the  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness  which 
characterized  this  our  beloved  friend,  evidenced  by 
yielding  obedience  to  the  restraining  and  tendering 
operations  of  Divine  grace,  we  feel  engaged  to  give 
forth  a  testimony  concerning  her,  in  the  hope  that 
her  example  may  have  an  animating  influence  on 
survivors,  holding  forth  this  language,  Follow  me 
as  I  have  endeavoured  to  follow  Christ. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  Edward  and  Sarah 
Shewell,  and  was  born  in  London  in  the  year 
1762.  The  religious  care  exercised  by  her  parents 
over  the  minds  of  their  tender  offspring  appears,  as 
she  expresses  it,  to  have  been  ^'so  far  blessed  to 
some  of  them  that  it  proved  as  a  nail  fastened  in  a 
sure  place."  We  cannot  more  appropriately  set 
forth  the  experience  of  our  dear  friend,  than  by 
some  extracts  from  her  own  memoranda.  In  these 
she  remarks,  "I  could  say  with  thankfulness  of 
heart  the  Lord  was  my  morning  Light;  for  I  well 
remember  to  have  been  favoured  with  that  light  in 
very  early  life  as  a  reprover  for  sin,  even  in  childish 
transgressions  and  disobedience  to  parental  injunc- 
tions. Thus  it  was  with  me,"  she  adds,  **vvhen 
very  young,  that  I  was  made  renewedly  sensible  of 
the  love  of  Him  who  first  loved  us;  and  I  often  shed 
tears  of  joy  under  a  sense  of  the  power  of  Divine 
love  covering  my  mind  in  a  remarkable  manner,  so 


43 

that  I  loved  to  get  alone  to  enjoy  the  inexpressible 
comfort  I  derived  from  it,  and  this  brought  a  great 
fear  and  dread  over  my  mind,  lest  I  should  offend 
Him  whom  I  loved  and  fervently  desired  would 
not  overlook  such  a  poor  little  child.     When  I  com- 
mitted a  fault,  how  keenly  have  I  felt  reproof.     I 
am  certain  that  if  the  necessity  of  attending  to  the 
inward  monitor  were  impressed  upon  children,  they 
would  not  so  often  grow  up  in  hardness  of  heart." 
When  about  seven  years  of  age  she  was  sent  to  a 
boarding-school,  where,  in  endeavouring  to  main- 
tain her  consistency  as  a  Friend,  by  using  the  plain 
language,  (being  the  only  Friend's  child  there,)  she 
became  subject  to  ridicule  from  some  of  her  com- 
panions; but,  she  remarks,  * 'there  were  other  dear 
children  to  whom  I  was  affectionately  attached  and 
united,  whose  minds  were  remarkably  visited  by 
the  influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  by  which  we  were 
drawn  to  read  the  Holy  Scriptures  together,  and 
converse  upon  them  with  great  interest." 

Although  love  to  her  Heavenly  Father  thus  pre- 
vailed in  her  heart,  yet  as  she  grew  older,  though 
drawing  back  from  His  restraining  power,  she 
wished  for  more  liberty  in  dress  and  some  other 
things;  but,  she  observes,  "loving-kindness  fol- 
lowed me,  so  that  I  found  a  place  of  prayer  in  se- 
cret; and  I  can  now  say  that  I  loved  the  Lord  my 
God,  and  Jesus  Christ  his  beloved  Son,  my  Re- 
deemer; for  I  have  been  sensible  of  the  inshinings 
of  heavenly  love  at  times,  throughout  my  life."  In 
another  place  she  says,  "I  remember  one  of  my 
school-fellows  describing  some  places  of  amuse- 
ment, which  raised  something  like  a  regret  that  I 
could  not  go,  when  the  words  arose  in  my  mind, 
*They  that  love  anything  more  than  me,  are  not 
worthy  of  me,'  filling  me  with  sweet  peace,  so  that 
I  never  afterwards  felt  even  a  desire  after  anything 


44 

of  this  kind:  and  now  I  can  say  I  am  thankful  for 
having  been  brought  up  amongst  Friends,  a  people 
whose  principles  are  pure,  and  though  they  bring 
into  the  narrow  way,  yet  is  that  way  quite  broad 
enough  to  walk  in  and  enjoy  the  blessings  of  life.'* 

Our  dear  friend  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Thomas  Brewster  in  the  year  1784,  and  came  to 
reside  within  the  limits  of  this  Monthly  Meeting 
in  1800.  Her  disposition  was  remarkably  tender 
and  humane,  and  evinced  much  sympathy  with 
those  under  suffering.  She  was  ever  ready  to  re- 
lieve the  wants  of  the  poor,  and  she  discharged  the 
various  relative  duties  of  life  with  much  affectionate 
kindness. 

From  1812  to  1828,  she  continued  at  times  to 
record  in  her  diary  her  various  trials  and  religious 
exercises,  particularly  relating  to  her  being  called 
to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  which  laid  weightily 
on  her  mind  for  many  years.  At  length,  believing 
the  time  to  be  arrived,  the  natural  timidity  of  her 
disposition  gave  way  to  apprehended  duty,  and  she 
expressed  a  few  words  in  the  Meeting  at  Wands- 
worth in  the  12th  month,  1818,  and  it  appears  to 
have  afforded  her  sweet  peace  in  thus  submitting 
her  will  to  that  of  her  Divine  Master.  On  this  oc- 
casion she  writes,  "I  hope  I  shall  be  strengthened 
to  praise  His  holy  name  on  a  dying  bed  for  all  his 
mercies  towards  me,  an  unworthy  creature." 

In  1821,  she  was  acknowledged  as  a  minister, 
and  in  the  same  year  paid  a  religious  visit  to  the 
families  of  Friends  of  Wandsworth  particular  Meet- 
ing; in  yielding  to  which  service,  heavenly  peace 
appears  to  have  been  her  portion.  She  was  subse- 
quently engaged  in  several  visits  to  her  own  and 
some  of  the  neighbouring  Quarterly  Meetings,  from 
which  labours  of  love  she  also  experienced  much 
comfort,  saying,    on   one  occasion,  "I   have  great 


45 

cause  to  commemorate  the  Lord^s  favours."  In  the 
course  of  a  visit  she  paid  in  1825  to  the  families  of 
Friends  in  one  of  the  Monthly  Meetings  in  Suffolk, 
she  mentions,  ^^She  had  times  of  discouragement 
and  suffering,  from  a  sense  of  great  weakness,  cry- 
ing, ^Lord  increase  my  faith,  and  arise  for  my  help; 
preserve  me  that  so  thy  precious  cause  may  never 
suffer  through  me  a  poor  worm.'"  Her  commu- 
nications in  the  exercise  of  her  gift,  though  short, 
were  lively  and  marked  by  much  simplicity  and 
sweetness;  the  love  of  our  Heavenly  Father  ap- 
peared to  be  the  constant  clothing  of  her  mind. 

In  the  4th  month,  1828,  she  was  attacked  with 
chronic  rheumatism,  which  produced  great  suffer- 
ing for  the  remainder  of  her  life,  during  which 
much  patience  and  resignation  were  manifest. 

She  was  a  diligent  attender  of  our  religious  meet- 
ings, and  in  them  was  often  favoured  with  a  renewal 
of  her  strength;  she  continued  in  the  performance 
of  this  duty  even  when  her  bodily  infirmities  ren- 
dered her  unable  to  move  without  assistance;  and 
when  wholly  prevented  from  thus  meeting  with  her 
friends,  she  considered  this  to  be  the  greatest  pri- 
vation it  was  her  lot  to  experience.  During  this 
latter  period  the  Monthly  Meetings  for  Ministers 
and  Elders  were  chiefly  held  in  her  chamber,  a  pri- 
vilege she  highly  valued;  the  remembrance  thereof 
by  those  who  met  on  these  occasions  is  sweet,  so 
remarkably  did  they  appear  to  be  times  of  the  over- 
shadowing of  Divine  love. 

The  bodily  sufferings  of  this  our  dear  friend 
during  the  last  year  of  her  life  were  very  great; 
but  she  was  enabled  to  bear  them  with  Christian 
patience,  and  in  humble  resignation  to  wait  the 
Lord's  time,  whilst  the  earnest  desire  of  her  heart 
was  to  be  permitted  at  last  to  reach  a  place  of  rest 
and  peace,  <*where,"  she  adds,  '*I  shall  meet  my 


46 

dear  Lord,  and  live  forever  with  him!  then  shall  I 
attain  unto  the  consummate  wishes  and  breathings 
of  my  soul  through  life,  having  had  an  earnest  de- 
sire to  be  found  worthy  to  be  admitted  an  inhabitant 
in  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  when  time  shall  termi- 
nate my  existence  here. 

Thus  our  beloved  friend  was  preserved  in  faith 
and  patience  to  the  end:  and  when  He  whose  ten- 
der love  had  followed  her  all  her  life,  and  through 
whose  strength  she  had  been  enabled  to  occupy  the 
talent  received,  was  pleased  to  say,  It  is  enough! 
and  to  remove  her  from  this  state  of  probation  and 
suffering,  we  reverently  believe  the  ardent  prayer 
of  her  soul  was  answered,  and  that,  through  redeem- 
ing love  and  mercy,  she  is  admitted  into  the  joy  of 
her  Lord. 

Our  dear  friend  died  on  the  21st  of  4th  month, 
1835,  and  her  remains  were  interred  at  Croydon, 
on  the  29th  of  the  same;  aged  seventy-three  years. 
A  Minister  about  sixteen  years. 

Signed  in  Kingston  Monthly  Meeting,  held  at 
Wandsworth,  the"  19th  of  the  Uth  month,  1835. 
[Here  follow  the  signatures  of  men  and  women 
Friends.] 

Read  and  approved  in  our  Quarterly  Meeting  for 
London  and  Middlesex,  held  this  29th  day  of  the 
12th  month,  1835;  and  in  and  on  behalf  thereof 
signed,  by 

George  Stagey,  Clerk. 

Signed  in  and  on  behalf  of  the  Women's  Meet- 
ing, by 

Rachel  Stagey,  Chrk, 


47 

Prom  the  Annual  Monitor. 
MARY  PRIOR. 

Mary  Prior,  wife  of  John  Prior  of  Hertford,  in 
England,  deceased  the  17th  of  2nd  month,  1815, 
aged  77  years.  Her  pious  and  innocent  life,  joined 
to  an  affectionate  and  cheerful  disposition,  rendered 
her  company  truly  acceptable,  both  to  Friends  and 
others.  She  filled  up  the  various  stations  of  life 
with  propriety,  and  we  trust  her  end  is  blest  with 
peace.  In  her  last  illness  she  said  she  had  been 
enabled  to  rely  with  confidence  on  the  merits  and 
intercessions  of  her  Redeemer;  adding,  "to  sit  at 
the  feet  of  my  beloved  Lord,  in  his  kingdom,  is 
more  than  I  deserve,  but  not  more  than  I  covet;  I 
know  that  it  is  by  grace  we  are  saved,  through 
faith,  and  that  not  of  ourselves;  it  is  the  gift  of  God: 
0  that  it  may  be  continued  to  the  end.'^  At  another 
time,  "I  feel  that  I  have  nothing  more  to  do  than 
to  wait  for  an  admission  into  the  promised  rest." 
And  then  said,  "What  a  favour  to  have  nothing  to 
do  but  to  wait  for  the  last  summons.  O,  Lord  Jesus, 
my  Saviour,  be  pleased  to  deal  mercifully  with  thy 
poor  handmaid  who  has  nothing  to  depend  on  but 
thy  mercy."     She  was  a  minister  52  years. 


48 


Ji  Memorial  concerning  my  beloved  wife,  Sarah 
Fisher. 

She  was  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Sarah  Rowland, 
born  at  Lewes,  in  the  county  of  Sussex,  Delaware, 
6th  of  the  12th  month,  in  the  year  1716.  Her 
father  dying  when  she  was  very  young,  the  care  of 
her  education  fell  on  her  mother,  who  was  a  steady 
pious  woman  and  a  worthy  Elder,  and  frequently 
appeared  in  a  short  and  lively  testimony  in  the  pub- 
lic assemblies  of  our  Society  for  Divine  Worship 
for  several  years  before  her  decease;  thereby  clearly 
evidencing,  that  that  power  which  in  her  youth  had 
been  her  stay,  was  in  old  age  become  her  staff.  She 
has  been  deceased  but  a  few  years,  at  which  time 

her  name  was Clayton,  and  she  was  a  member 

of  Little  Creek  Meeting,  in  Kent  County,  Dela- 
ware. 

Under  the  care  of  so  pious  a  parent,  she,  through 
Divine  Grace,  was  in  a  good  degree  preserved  from 
the  vanities  incident  to  youth.  In  1733,  the  17th 
year  of  her  age,  we  were  married  and  lived  at 
Lewes  aforesaid  till  the  year  1746,  when,  with  the 
approbation  of  Friends  there,  we  removed  to  this 
city  with  four  children.  From  that  time  we  resided 
here,  having  many  children — seven  of  them  are  now 
living.  This  occasioned  her  being  much  at  home 
with  her  family,  where,  by  her  awful  and  solemn 
sitting  with  them,  administering  suitable  advice  and 
counsel  to  their  several  states  and  capacities,  I  have 
good  reason  to  believe  she  has  left  lasting  impres- 
sions on  most  of  their  minds. 

While  she  had  ability  of  body,  she  frequently  at- 
tended religious  meetings  and  those  for  discipline. 


49 

where  in  reverent  awfulness  she  waited  for  the  re- 
newal of  strength.  In  conversation,  she  was  solid 
and  weighty,  yet  cheerful  and  pleasant;  in  counsel, 
prudent  and  instructive;  in  her  family,  circumspect 
and  exemplary,  rarely  spending  an  hour  unemployed 
in  some  useful  service  or  necessary  duty.  In  her 
eating  and  drinking,  temperate  and  rather  abstemious. 
She  studied  to  be  quiet  and  mind  her  own  business, 
not  meddling  with  the  concerns  of  others,  further 
than  to  administer  counsel  or  relief  when  applied  to, 
and  was  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  were  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  her;  nor  do  I  remember  she 
ever  had  any  difference  with  any  person  during  her 
life,  but  was  favoured  with  such  a  sweetness  of  tem- 
per, that  when  anything  of  that  kind  was  like  to  get 
in,  she  soared  as  on  the  wings  of  love  either  to  over- 
come or  get  out  of  its  reach.  She  was  a  most  affec- 
tionate wife,  parent  and  mistress;  charitable  to  the 
poor,  a  kind  and  obliging  neighbour,  and  her  heart 
and  house  open  to  receive  her  friends;  but  above 
every  qualification  was  her  inward  and  retired  life 
persevering  with  innocent  cheerfulness  through  her 
whole  course;  and  during  her  last  indisposition, 
which  continued  upwards  of  five  weeks,  she  con- 
tinued in  a  sweet,  retired,  inward  frame  of  mind, 
often  in  fervent  prayer,  saying,  -'^Make  me,  0  Lord, 
what  thou  wouldst  have  me  to  be;  preserve  me,  for 
in  the  Lord  Jehovah  there  is  everlasting  strength.'^ 
When  I  have  asked  how  she  was,  she  frequently 
answered  me,  "My  way-  is  where  no  galley  with 
oars  nor  gallant  ship  can  pass.  The  glorious  Lord 
is  unto  me  a  place  of  broad  rivers  and  streams;"  at 
other  times  she  would  say,  "Come,  let  us  go  to  the 
mountain  of  the  Lord,  to  the  house  of  the  God  of 
Jacob,  he  will  teach  us  of  his  ways,  and  we  will  walk 
in  his  paths;  the  Lord  is  my  Shepherd,  and  I  shall 
not  want."  These  her  expressions  were  frequent, 
5 


50 

with  many  others  of  the  like  nature  which  cannot 
well  be  remembered. 

She  was  favoured  with  ability  to  set  up  in  her 
room  frequently  the  greatest  part  of  the  day  without 
much  pain,  in  a  great  degree  abstracted  from  every 
temporal  prospect,  like  a  wise  virgin  waiting  for 
the  Heavenly  bridegroom,  having  oil  in  her  vessel, 
her  lamp  trimmed  and  light  burning — thus  she  con- 
tinued. Myself  and  children,  hoping  she  might  re- 
cover till  the  4th  day  of  the  first  month  last,  when 
an  intimate  friend  sat  with  her  several  hours,  till 
near  6  o'clock  in  the  evening,  about  which  time  the 
disorder  increased,  and  she  lay  down,  desiring  all 
to  be  still  that  she  might  go  to  rest,  and  departed 
quietly  away  about  8  o'clock,  without  either  sigh  or 
groan,  as  going  into  a  sweet  sleep,  aged  55  years; 
and  was  decently  interred  in  Friends'  burial  ground 
in  Arch  street  the  7th  day  of  said  month. 

Her  humility,  wisdom  and  prudence  were  con- 
spicuous, though  she  had  not  opportunity  of  much 
learning;  her  reading  was  much  confined  to  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  and  such  other  books  as  treated  of 
an  inward  communion  with  the  beloved  of  her  soul, 
and  I  doubt  not  but  her  removal  is  from  works  to 
rewards,  to  join  the  church  triumphant  in  heaven, 
there  to  sing  praises  to  the  Lord  God  and  the  Lamb, 
who  alone  are  worthy. 

Joshua  Fisher. 

Philadelphia,  2nd  month  8/A,  1772. 


51 


SARAH  STEPHENSON. 


[Some  accountof  Sarah  Stephenson, who  visited 
this  country  in  1801.  She  was  very  acceptably 
attended  as  a  companion  in  this  religious  engage- 
ment by  her  friend,  Mary  Jefferys,  who  afterwards 
became  the  wife  of  William  Powell,  of  Nurstead, 
Devizes. 

I  had  a  late  letter  from  this  dear  friend,  now  a 
widow,  residing  at  Milksham  in  England.  Sarah 
Stephenson  departed  this  life  under  the  roof  of  my 
uncle,  S.  R.  Fisher.  A  memoir  of  her  life  and 
travels  in  the  service  of  the  Gospel  was  printed  in 
1807,  and  closed  with  an  abstract  of  the  Testimony 
of  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Wiltshire,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  copy.] 

Our  much  beloved  friend  Sarah  Stephenson,  a 
member  of  this  meeting  for  upwards  of  thirty  years, 
having  been  one  whose  example  preached  sweet  in- 
struction, we  desire  the  remembrance  of  it  may  have 
the  same  influence,  and  be  a  further  incitement  to 
follow  her,  as  she  followed  Christ. 

She  was  entrusted  with  a  gift  in  the  ministry 
about  the  twenty-eighth  year  of  her  age.  In  the 
exercise  of  this  weighty  calling  she  was  often  en- 
gaged, under  the  persuasive  influence  of  gospel-love 
to  labour  with  the  youth:  for  whose  preservation  in 
true  simplicity,  she  felt  strong  and  afiectionate  soli- 
citude, that  they  might  dedicate  all  to  Him  who 
loveth  an  early  sacrifice,  of  which  she  was  a  great 
example.  Her  ministry  was  sound,  tending  much 
to  raise  into  dominion  the  hidden  life.  For  her 
path  was  often  in  the  deep;  and  by  such  baptisms, 


S2 

she  was  enabled  to  minister  to  the  states  of  the  peo- 
ple in  the  power  and  efficacy  of  the  Gospel.  Lean- 
ing on  the  arm  of  All-sufficiency,  she  was  made  an 
eminently  useful  instrument. 

To  adopt  the  expressions  of  a  testimony  we  have 
received  from  New  York,  we  can  say,  *She  w^as  pe- 
culiarly qualified  to  move  with  propriety  in  that 
great  work  of  going  from  house  to  house:  a  meek 
and  quiet  deportment,  a  mind  clothed  with  a  spirit 
of  love,  and  affectionate  solicitude  that  all  might  be 
gathered  within  the  Divine  inclosure,  being  conspi- 
cuous traits  in  the  character  and  conduct  of  our  be- 
loved friend.' 

With  the  afflicted,  whether  in  body  or  mind,  who 
came  under  her  notice,  she  was  a  true  sympathizer. 
She  frequently  said  she  wished  not  to  out-live  this 
tender  sensibility;  and  she  manifested  it  to  the  last. 
Near  her  close,  she  said,  she  had  great  satisfaction 
as  she  passed  along,  in  having  imparted  of  her  little 
to  those  that  had  less. 

In  the  sixty-third  year  of  her  age,  she  opened  to 
Friends  a  prospect  which  she  had  long  kept  secret, 
of  paying  a  religious  visit  to  Friends  in  America. 
This  undertaking  seemed  arduous;  more  especially 
as  her  natural  strength  at  that  time  had  much  de- 
clined; but,  as  she  observed,  it  seemed  of  no  conse- 
quence to  her  where  her  life  might  close,  so  that 
when  the  solemn  period  came,  she  was  but  where 
and  what  she  ought  to  be. 

She  was  much  satisfied  with  having  come  to  that 
land,  which  [among  other  means],  appears  by  a 
message,  which,  a  few  days  before  her  close,  she 
seemed  desirous  to  be  conveyed  to  Friends  in  her 
native  land,  and  [she  accordingly]  commissioned  a 
friend  with  the  following:  I  feel  a  salutation  of 
Gospel  love  flow  towards  them;  and  have  thank- 
fully to  acknowledge  that  I  have  met  with  those 


53 

among  faithful  Friends  here,  who  have  felt  as  fa- 
thers and  mothers,  brethren  and  sisters;  that  I  find 
the  Lord's  tenderly  concerned  baptized  travailing 
children  to  be  the  same  every  where;  and,  though 
from  my  present  weak  state,  it  is  rather  unlikely  I 
shall  ever  see  them  again  in  mutability,  I  am  per- 
fectly satisfied  with  being  with  Friends  in  this  land; 
and  quite  easy  as  to  the  issue  of  this  my  present  in- 
disposition: desiring  the  Lord's  will  may  be  done. 

During  her  illness  she  said  that,  though  it  was 
desirable  to  her  to  go,  yet  if  it  were  the  Divine  will 
that  she  should  again  be  raised  up,  and  introduced 
to  her  arduous  line  of  service,*  she  had  felt  sweet 
submission  to  it.  But  her  work  was  mercifully  cut 
short  in  righteousness;  and  the  sacrifice  of  a  willing 
mind  accepted  by  Him  who  thus  manifested  his 
love  unto  the  end. 

She  breathed  her  last  the  26th  of  the  Fourth 
Month,  1802,  aged  sixty-three  years,  a  Minister 
about  thirty-six  years.  Her  remains  were  interred 
in  Friends'  burial  ground  in  Philadelphia,  the  29th 
of  the  Fourth-month.  As  there  is  cause  to  believe 
she  answered  to  the  description  in  the  inquiry, 
*^Who  is  that  faithful  and  good  servant,  whom  the 
Lord  shall  make  ruler  over  his  household,  to  give 
them  their  portion  of  meat  in  due  season;"  we 
have  [also]  the  consoling  belief  that  the  annexed 
blessing  was  her  reward:  ' 'Blessed,  I  say  unto  you, 
is  that  servant,  whom  his  Lord,  when  he  cometh, 
shall  find  so  doing." 

Signed  in  and  on  behalf  of  the  aforesaid  Meeting 
held  at  Melksham,  the  14th  of  the  Twelfth-month, 
1802. 

The  Monthly  Meeting  of  New  York,  the  Quar- 

*  The  reader  may  remember  she  had  begun  a  family-visit  in 
Pine  street  Meeting,  Philadelphia. 

5* 


54 

terly  Meetings  of  Westbury,  and  Purchase,  the 
Southern  Monthly  Meeting  of  Philadelphia,  also 
issued  testimonies  respecting  this  beloved  Friend, 
and  the  latter  testimony  was  confirmed  by  the 
Quarterly  Meeting  at  Philadelphia.  To  insert  all 
these  testimonies  might  occasion  more  prolixity 
than  service;  and  as  the  foregoing  compilation  is 
not  only  a  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Sarah  Ste- 
phenson, but  is  principally  intended  to  animate  its 
readers,  by  her  example,  to  love  the  Lord,  to  fol- 
low on  to  know  him,  and  to  press  towards  the  mark 
for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus,  it  may  be  terminated  not  unsuitably  by  an 
extract  of  a  letter  to  a  friend  in  England,  written 
by  the  deceased,  from  the  city  of  New  York. 

'^Although,  my  dear,  we  are  very  far  outwardly 
separated,  this  is  not  able  to  prevent  sweet  union  of 
spirit,  and  humble  intercession  for  strength  to  ad- 
vance on,  towards  the  holy  city,  where  the  saints' 
solemnities  are  kept.  O,  the  joy  that  will  there  be 
revealed,  and  for  ever  to  remain,  without  alloy! 
That  our  poor  feeble  spirits  may  be  daily  engaged 
in  this  humble  fervent  travail,  is  the  desire  of  my 
soul:  that  so,  through  adorable  mercy,  we  may  be 
favoured  to  meet,  never  to  part;  and,  with  the  just 
of  all  generations,  unite  in  the  glorious  song  of 
Moses  and  the  Lamb!'' 


55 


*^n  Epistle  to  Thomas  Fisher,  my  late  beloved 
father. 

[He  was  taken  prisoner  and  carried  into  Spain  the 
time  of  the  old  French  war,  in  1762  or  3,  when  a 
young  man  of  twenty-one  years  of  age;  and  after 
being  released,  and  arriving  safe  in  England,  the 
kindness  of  Friends  made  a  lasting  impression  on 
his  mind,  and  had  he  not  felt  it  most  prudent  to  re- 
turn, marry  and  settle  in  his  own  country,  which, 
if  he  had  not  thought  it  right  to  do,  he  felt  attrac- 
tion sufficient  to  have  formed  a  connection  for  life 
there.  This  I  have  heard  him  relate,  and  the  friend- 
ship thus  formed  towards  his  friends  in  England, 
remained  steadfast  with  him.] 

Whether  thou  ply'st  it  with  the  assiduous  throng, 
Whom  power,  or  fame,  or  interest  urge  along, 
Or  sitt'st  recluse  within  the  hickory  grove. 
Pierced  with  the  pleasing  pangs  of  generous  love, 
Or  roam'st  alert  the  various  herbaged  ground, 
And  mazy  fields  and  wide  savannah's  round, 
Or  tread'st  the  thundering  rivers  trembling  mound, 
Where  rocks  repulsive  propagate  the  sound; 
Or,  from  the  cedar'd  heights  thy  view  pervades 
A  golden  scene,  late  rescued  from  the  shades. 
There  hear'st  the  mimic-bird  his  lays  prolong 
In  sweet  succession  all  the  woodland  song; 
Whether  Linnean  tribes  thy  search  delight. 
Or  glittering  flies  (a  friend's  caprice)  excite; 
Whate'er  the  object  now  thy  thoughts  explore, 
Or  ruminates  on  scenes  thou  sees't  no  more, 
May  conscious  peace  and  temperate  joy  attend, 
And  virtue  smile  thy  everlasting  friend. 
Not  prude-like  virtue,  forward  to  declaim, 
Which  hugs  those  follies  it  affects  to  blame; 


56 

But  what  directs  our  passions  to  their  end, 

And  points  out  every  good  they  must  intend. 

While  their  excessive  powers  are  learnt  control, 

And  she  still  holds  the  balance  of  the  soul, 

May  she,  my  friend,  o'er  all  thy  acts  preside. 

And  call  thy  passions  still  on  reason's  side; 

Or,  should  their  saddening  glooms  obscure  thy  way, 

May  she,  bright  power,  ethereal  gleams  display. 

Or  check  the  tides  of  pleasure  as  they  roll, 

When  joys  tumultuous  rush  upon  the  soul; 

When  fancy  paints  the  ever  verdant  scene. 

Nor  dreary  waste,  nor  sterile  rock  between, 

Elysian  airs  from  ever  temperate  skies. 

Where  lightning  never  glares,  nor  whirlwind  flies. 

Nor  peevish  blast,  nor  blighting  dews  molest. 

The  eternal  spring  with  halcyon  joys  imprest; 

She'll  show  thee  through  the  world's  capacious  round 

Not  one  bright  scene  in  gay  succession  found. 

Nor  yet  one  son  whom  passions  ne'er  annoy. 

Whom  in  glad  series  flow  perpetual  joy. 

Blest  as  thou  art  with  afiluence,  health  and  ease, 

A  mind,  at  once  disposed,  and  formed  to  please, 

A  manly  freedom  which  decorum  bounds, 

A  pleasing  poignancy  which  never  wounds. 

What  tho'  our  sex  their  ready  praise  combine. 

And  the  impartial  their  plaudits  join, 

Doth  not  some  meddling  passion  still  molest 

And  break  the  easy  tenor  of  the  rest? 

In  minds  most  amiable,  some  passions  strong, 

With  powers  impetuous  urge  the  rest  along; 

Just  in  its  end;  yet  thousands  fall  its  prey. 

Its  irresistless  impulse  who  obey; 

Though  hard  to  subject,  yet  its  powers  restrained, 

Yields  all  a  victor's  joy  for  conquest  gained. 

Whilst  Reason  thus  maintains  her  proper  sway. 

And  calls  the  imperious  prompters  to  obey. 

Virtue  and  they  pursue  no  several  aim. 

The  same  in  action  and  their  end  the  same; 

But  Virtue  lost,  eccentric  tracks  they  find. 

And  leave  ungained  the  glory  meant  mankind. 

Now,  whilst  each  strong  pulsation  fills  thy  veins, 

O,  hold!  determined  hold,  the  unloosened  reins; 

Check  nature's  ardour,  stop  her  fervent  speed, 

A  time  will  come  to  justify  the  deed: 

When  slow,  though  regular,  the  pulses  beat. 

And  cool  reflection  tempers  vital  heat. 


57 

The  mind  then  joys  beneath  the  wished  release 

And  finds  her  pains  repaid  with  lasting  peace. 

The  Voyager,  thus  when  every  peril's  o'er, 

Received  with  pleasure  what  he  feared  before, 

Recalls  the  shelving  rocks  and  leeward  strand, 

The  helmless  bark  and  vicinage  of  land. 

Or  crashing  masts,  rent  hull  and  scattered  shrouds, 

When  the  scourged  billows  mingled  with  the  clouds; 

Where  rove  my  thoughts,  and  why  this  serious  strain 

To  thee  whose  ordered  life  has  made  it  vain; 

But  while  the  umbrageous  copse  absorbed  I  roam,. 

Lost  to  myself  and  friends,  and  social  home, 

Some  train  of  thought  suspended  sense  invades, 

Till  evening  drops  around  her  twilight  shades. 

In  vain  for  me  these  woodland  roses  blow 

And  pendant  woodbines  down  the  hawthorn  flow; 

Recruited  sweets  the  late  hushed  zephyrs  leave. 

And  latent  warblers  hail  the  crimson  eve. 

E'en  now  my  restless  fancy  wings  away 

In  other  climes,  in  other  shades  to  stray, 

Through  the  deep  gloom  of  your  primeval  woods, 

And  by  the  cataract's  ever-foaming  flood; 

Strange  foliage  mark  of  trees  before  unknown. 

And  plots  of  flowers  in  bright  confusion  thrown; 

And  nameless  tribes  of  hidden  life  explore 

Till  my  nerves  tremble  at  the  savage  roar. 

Instant  I  fly  to  where  your  domes  appear, 

New  strung  my  nerves,  and  banished  every  fear; 

Hang  o'er  the  peerless  plain  and  tillaged  scene 

Your  mart,  your  commerce,  nor  thyself  unseen. 

Forward  I  spring,  my  pleasure  to  declare. 

When,  lo!  the  aerial  vision  melts  in  air; 

And  nought  but  well  known  groves  attract  my  eyes 

While  night's  dusk  mantle  saddens  o'er  the  skies; 

Reason  stepe  in  and  warns  me  to  retire, 

And  will  no  more  the  etherial  maids  inspire. 

In  time  perhaps  they'll  strike  the  sprightly  string, 

And  wake  to  joy,  thy  hymeneals  sing. 

Beauty,  young  loves  their  golden  shafts  displayed,. 

Wave  their  bright  plumes  and  point  the  myrtle  shade, 

While  laughing  Hymen  bears  his  torch  along. 

And  choral  Virgins  chaunt  the  bridal  song. 

J.  W. 


58 


Prom  Poulson's  American  Daily  Advertiser. 

JAMES  LOGAN  FISHER. 

It  is  a  mournful  fact,  that  peculiar  excellencies  of 
character  are  apt  to  be  associated  with  a  fragility  of 
constitution,  which  but  too  frequently  deprives  so- 
ciety, by  an  untimely  death,  of  the  advantages  which 
might  result  from  their  full  developement,  and  prac- 
tical application  to  the  various  offices  of  life.  Within 
a  limited  sphere,  however,  these  excellencies  must 
be  known  and  appreciated;  and  when  the  brief 
course  of  their  possessor  is  ended,  it  becomes  the 
duty  of  those  who  may  have  enjoyed  his  intimacy, 
to  lay  before  the  public  a  picture  of  his  character, 
in  order  that  at  least  the  benefit  of  his  example  may 
not  be  entirely  lost.  Nothing  affords  a  more  pow- 
erful stimulus  to  the  young,  than  the  contemplation 
of  an  exemplary  life  brought  prematurely  to  its 
close.  No  envious  feelings  here  mingle  with  ad- 
miration; and  the  pattern  does  not  seem  beyond 
the  scope  of  youthful  powers,  nor  without  the 
sphere  of  youthful  sympathies,  as  when  it  is  pre- 
sented with  the  accumulated  attainments  and  ho- 
nours of  long  years  of  toil.  From  considerations 
such  as  these,  one  who  was  intimately  acquainted 
with  the  late  James  Logan  Fisher,  and,  in  com- 
mon with  all  who  knew  him  well,  deeply  regrets 
his  loss,  feels  it  a  duty,  as  it  is  a  melancholy  satis- 
faction, to  offer  to  the  public  a  sketch  of  his  lamented 
friend,  though  he  despairs  of  being  able  to  present 
it  with  that  sweetness,  beauty,  and  nobleness  of  fea- 
ture, with  which  it  is  indelibly  impressed  on  his 
own  heart. 


59 

The  person  of  this  fine  youth,  though  slender,  as 
became  his  age,  was  of  good  height  and  well  pro- 
portioned, exhibiting,  however,  to  an  observant  and 
experienced   eye,    a  certain    conformation,   which 
evinced  delicacy  of  constitution,  and  a  predisposi- 
tion to  pulmonary  disease.    His  features  were  finely 
formed,  and  when  flushed,  as  they  sometimes  were, 
with    the    fulness  and  bloom   ojf  apparent  health, 
might  be  said  to  have  been  even  beautiful;  but  the 
chief  interest  of  his  countenance  lay  in  its  expres- 
sion.   This  was  usually  of  a  pensive  cast,  sometimes 
sad,  or  even  suffering  from  the  influence  of  bodily 
uneasiness  or  pain;  but  there  was,  at  the  same  time, 
a  softness  blended  with  dignity  in  his  aspect;  and 
his  smile  had  in  it  something  inexpressibly  charm- 
ing, in  part,  perhaps,  from  its  contrast  with  his  ha- 
bitual seriousness,  but  chiefly  from  the  mixed  in- 
telligence and  goodness  of  heart  which  beamed  from 
every  feature.    With  these  recommendations  of  per- 
son and  face,  he  possessed  a  composed,  correct,  and 
gentlemanly  manner,  without  obtrusiveness  on  the 
one  hand,  or  bashfulness  on  the  other,  and  belong- 
ing to  that  happy  medium,  which,  escaping  observa- 
tion either  for  negligence  or  excessive  refinement, 
allows  fair  scope  to  the  influence  of  the  intellectual 
and  moral  qualities.      His  address  was,  on  all  occa- 
sions, appropriate,  manly  and  dignified,  yet  gentle: 
not  the  result  of  any  studied  efibrt,  but  obviously 
flowing  from  the  tenor  of  his  thoughts  and  feelings. 
Loftiness  of  sentiment  and  spirit  was,  even  from 
boyhood,  a  prominent  trait  in  his  character.     Inca- 
pable of  a  meanness  in  any  shape,  he  seemed  raised 
above  the  ordinary  motives  which  actuate  the  youth- 
ful mind.  The  frivolities  and  vicious  pleasures  which 
carry  away  so  many  youth  of  the  fairest  promise, 
had  no  charms  for  him.     In  dignity  of  feeling,  he 
was  a  man  in  his  early  years.     The  leisure  usually 


60 

consumed  in  idle  and  fruitless  pursuits,  was  devoted 
by  him  to  tiie  cultivation  of  a  taste  for  the  fine  arts, 
particularly  those  of  music  and  painting,  for  which 
he  had  a  decided  genius,  and  to  which  he  resorted 
for  relaxation  from  occupations  of  a  graver  charac- 
ter.    This  sobriety  of  conduct  and  purity  of  morals 
were  not  the  results  of  a  calculating  spirit.      Sordid 
feelings  found  no  place  in  his  breast,  and  his  charac- 
ter was  free  from  the  least  stain  of  hypocrisy  or 
affectation.      They  flowed   spontaneously  from  an 
elevation  of  thought  and  feeling,  which  was  the  gift 
of  nature,  and  which  placed  him  almost  beyond  the 
reach  of  ordinary  temptation;  yet  no  coldness  of 
heart  accompanied  this  elevation.     On  the  contrary, 
his  feelings  were  soft,  and  his  affections  warm.      It 
is  true  that  the  circle  of  his  friendships  was  not 
very  extensive.     The  delicacy  of  his  moral  taste 
rendered  him  sensitive  to  those  faults  which  were 
associated   with  hardened   selfishness,  or  the  least 
trait  of  meanness.   But  even  here,  though  he  evinced 
a  certain  reserve  which  precluded  all  approach  to 
intimacy,  the  kindness  of  his  heart  prevented  any 
act  or  expression  offensive  to  the  self-love  of  others. 
The  same  susceptibility  which   made  him   shrink 
from  uncongenial  characters,  rendered  him  exqui- 
sitely sensible  to  traits  which  he  approved;  and  his 
attachments,   when  once  formed,  were  warm  and 
durable.      His  admiration  of  virtues  or  attainments 
which  he  perceived,  or  thought  that  he  perceived  in 
others,  was  uncontaminated  with  the  slightest  tinc- 
ture of  envy.      His  heart  was  therefore  prepared  to 
flow  out,  in  such  instances,   with  warm  affection; 
and  the  interest  which  he  felt  he  hesitated  not  to 
manifest  on  all  occasions.      It  was  not  enough  that 
he  himself  loved  or  esteemed;  he  was  not  satisfied 
unless  the  object  of  his  affection  and  respect  stood 
equally  well  in  the  feelings  and  opinions  of  others. 


61 

His  commendation  was  open  and  unrestrained,  and 
made  the  stronger  impression  because  it  came  ob- 
viously from  the  heart.  His  elevation  of  sentiment, 
vtrhile  thus  accompanied  with  warmth  of  feeling  to- 
wards others,  was  not  marked  by  any  inordinate 
self-esteem.  He  was  ever  ready  to  perceive,  and 
even  exaggerate  his  own  faults;  and  the  touching 
candour  and  ingenuousness  with  which  he  acknow- 
ledged them,  and  took  blame  to  himself  much  be- 
yond his  desert,  were  among  the  most  engaging 
traits  of  his  amiable  character. 

To  moral  qualities,  such  as  have  beejj  imperfectly 
described,  he  united  talents  of  a  high  order.     His 
taste  for  music  and  painting,  and  for  the  fine  arts  in 
general,   has  been  alluded  to.     As  a  painter,  espe- 
cially, he  might  have  attained  high  eminence,  had 
his  views  in  relation  to  his  future  course  of  life  al- 
lowed him  to  cultivate  his  genius  for  this  art.     As 
it  was,  though  attending  to  it  only  as  a  relaxation 
and  amusement,  he  has  left  evidences  of  his  skill  in 
numerous  excellent  portraits  of  his  friends,  and  of 
others  whose  peculiarities  of  feature,  or  of  condition 
in  life,  attracted  his  notice.     Of  his  intellect,  the 
most  marked  features  were  readiness  of  apprehen- 
sion and  justness  of  conception;  and  these,  united 
with  a  love  of  truth  and  a  thirst  for  knowledge, 
would  have  distinguished  him  in  the  fields  of  sci- 
ence, had  time  and  health  been  granted  him  for  the 
full    developement   and    exercise  of  his    faculties. 
Notwithstanding,  however,  the  delicacy  of  consti- 
tution, which  precluded  intense  and  long  continued 
application  to  study,  by  the  ravages  which  it  inva- 
riably produced  in  his  health,  such  was  his  perse- 
verance and  his  facility  of  acquiring  knowledge, 
that  none  of  his  competitors  of  the  same  age,  in  the 
profession  to  which  he  devoted  himself,  either  held 
6 


6S 

or  deserved  to  hold  a  higher  place  in  the  estimation 
of  those  competent  to  judge. 

The  grand  aim  of  his  life  appeared  to  be  the  at- 
tainment of  a  merited  and  honourable  distinction; 
and  the  course  which  he  pursued  was  selected  with 
judgment,  and  adhered  to  with  perseverance  till  the 
close  of  his  career.  Justly  believing  that  health 
was  essential  to  great  and  successful  efforts,  he  united 
with  all  his  other  pursuits  a  constant  attention  to 
counteract  the  morbid  tenderness  of  his  frame. 
With  this  view,  as  much  as  to  increase  his  profes- 
sional knowledge,  to  gratify  a  liberal  curiosity,  or 
to  cultivate  his  taste  for  the  fine  arts  among  the 
finished  models  of  the  old  world,  he  determined  to 
undertake  a  voyage  to  Europe,  upon  the  comple- 
tion of  his  medical  studies  in  the  schools  of  Phila- 
delphia. After  having  made  the  tour  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, of  which  several  hundred  miles  were  travelled 
on  foot  among  the  romantic  scenes  of  Wales  and  the 
West  of  England,  he  proceeded  to  Paris,  with  the 
view  of  passing  the  winter  in  a  course  of  attendance 
upon  the  lectures  and  hospitals  of  that  great  metro- 
polis. With  health  improved,  and  brightened  pros- 
pects, he  was  preparing  to  engage  in  his  professional 
pursuits,  when  he  was  seized  with  that  disease,  so 
fatal  to  persons  of  feeble  constitution,  the  scarlet 
fever,  which  carried  him  off  after  a  short  illness  of 
three  days.  The  attention  which  he  paid  to  his 
health,  was  with  the  elevated  motive  of  preparing 
himself  for  greater  subsequent  usefulness  and  dis- 
tinction, not  for  the  mere  purpose  of  preserving  a 
life  which  he  held  of  little  value.  Death  he  never 
feared,  and  when  it  came,  it  did  not  find  an  unpre- 
pared victim.  To  himself,  indeed,  the  event  was 
no  loss;  as  so  much  physical  uneasiness  had  been 
mingled  for  him  in  the  cup  of  life,  that  its  exhaustion 
must  have  been  rather  a  desirable  relief  than  a  dread- 


63 

ful  evil.  It  is  highly  probable  that,  by  the  short 
struggle  which  terminated  his  life,  he  was  spared 
the  lingering,  painful,  and  not  less  fatal  ravages  of 
that  worst  physical  enemy  of  the  human  race,  con- 
sumption of  the  lungs.  His  friends,  however,  have 
met  with  a  loss  which  they  will  not  easily  supply. 
At  present,  they  feel  the  deprivation  too  acutely  to 
admit  the  full  force  of  topics  of  consolation;  but 
when  the  keen  edge  of  their  sorrow  is  blunted,  and 
the  selfishness  of  grief  is  passed,  they  will  be  able 
to  look  upon  his  brief  life  with  real  satisfaction. 
They  will  treasure  up  in  their  hearts  the  image  of 
his  pure  and  noble  nature,  and  amid  future  cares, 
disappointments,  and  sorrows,  will  look  upon  it 
with  refreshment  and  gratification,  as  the  repre- 
sentative of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  those  green 
spots  which  are  but  too  sparingly  scattered  over  the 
desert  of  human  nature.  W. 


64 


An  n^ddress  to  the  Inhabitants  of  Pennsylvania, 
by  those  Freemen  of  the  City  of  Philadelphia 
who  are  now  confined  in  the  Mason^s  Lodge, 
by  virtue  of  a  general  warrant.  Signed  in 
Council  by  the  Vice  President  of  the  Council 
of  Pennsylvania. 

The  political  liberty  of  the  subject  is  a  tranquillity 
of  mind  arising  from  the  opinion  each  person  has  of 
his  safety.  In  order  to  have  this  liberty,  it  is  re- 
quisite the  government  be  so  constituted  as  one  man 
need  not  be  afraid  of  another.  When  the  legislative 
and  executive  powers  are  united  in  the  same  per- 
son, or  in  the  same  body  of  magistrates,  there  can 
be  no  liberty;  because  apprehensions  may  arise  lest 
the  same  monarch  or  senate  enact  tyrannical  laws 
to  execute  them  in  a  tyrannical  manner. — Montes- 
quieu^ s  Spirit  of  Laws,  Book  IX.  Chap.  vi. 

Having  in  the  course  of  the  present  week  laid  be- 
fore the  public  some  remonstrances,  which  our  pre- 
sent situation  called  on  us  to  make  to  the  president 
and  council,  and  in  which  we  conceived  you  were 
equally,  though  not  so  immediately,  concerned  with 
ourselves,  and  perceiving  that  advantage  is  taken  of 
our  situation,  to  represent  us  to  you,  as  men  dan- 
gerous to  the  community;  we  think  ourselves  bound, 
by  the  duty  we  owe  to  our  country,  to  our  families, 
to  those  who  have  heretofore  held  us  in  esteem,  and 
to  the  general  welfare  of  society,  to  address  you, 
and  lay  before  you  a  particular  state  of  a  most  dan- 
gerous attack,  which  has  been  made  upon  the  cause 
of  civil  and  religious  freedom,  by  confining  and  at- 


65 

tempting  to  banish  from  their  tenderest  connections, 
a  number  of  men,  who  can,  without  boasting,  claim 
to  themselves  the  characters  of  upright  and  good 
citizens. 

For  some  time  past  it  has  been  a  subject  of  pub- 
lic conversation,  that  lists  were  made  out  of  great 
numbers  of  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia,  who  were 
to  be  confined  for  offences  supposed  to  have  been 
committed  against  the  interests  of  America.  These 
reports  were  generally  presumed  to  arise  from  in- 
temperate zeal  and  personal  animosities;  and,  until 
the  attempt  which  creates  the  necessity  of  calling 
your  attention  to  us,  little  regard  seemed  to  be  paid 
to  them. 

But  a  few  days  since  the  scene  opened,  and  we 
the  subscribers  were  called  upon  by  persons  not 
known  as  public  officers  of  justice,  to  put  our  names 
to  a  paper,  '^promising  not  to  depart  from  our  dwell- 
ing-houses, and  to  be  ready  to  appear  on  the  de- 
mand of  the  president  and  council  of  the  state  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  to  refrain  from  doing  any  thing 
injurious  to  the  United  Free  States  of  North  Ame- 
rica, by  speaking,  writing,  or  otherwise;  and  from 
giving  intelligence  to  the  commander  of  the  British 
forces,  or  any  other  person  whatever,  concerning 
public  affairs." 

Conscious  of  our  innocence  in  respect  to  the 
charges  insinuated  in  this  paper  against  us,  and  un- 
willing to  part  with  the  liberty  of  breathing  the  free 
air  and  following  our  lawful  business  beyond  the 
narrow  limits  of  our  houses,  disdaining  to  be  con- 
sidered in  so  odious  a  light,  as  men  who  by  crimes 
had  forfeited  our  common  and  inherent  rights,  we 
refused  to  become  voluntary  prisoners,  and  rejected 
the  proposal.  We  demanded  with  that  boldness 
which  is  inseparable  from  innocence,  to  know  by 
what  authority  they  acted,  of  what  crimes  we  were 
6* 


66 

accused  meriting  such  treatment;  and  though  to 
some  of  us  the  small  satisfaction  was  given  of  ac- 
quainting us  they  acted  in  pursuance  of  a  recom- 
mendation of  Congress;  and  to  others  was  read  part 
of  a  warrant  from  the  president  and  council;  yet 
not  one  of  us  was  allowed  the  indisputable  right  of 
either  reading  or  copying  it.  Although  the  great 
number  of  messengers  employed  in  the  execution  of 
this  warrant,  and  of  the  persons  who  were  the  ob- 
jects of  it,  varied  some  of  the  circumstances  attend- 
ing it,  yet  the  general  tenor  of  their  conduct  was 
uniform,  and  marks  the  spirit  which  actuated  them. 
We  were  all,  upon  our  refusal  to  subscribe,  either 
immediately  or  in  some  short  time,  conducted  to 
this  place,  where  we  remained  in  close  confinement 
under  a  military  guard  for  twenty-four  hours,  ex- 
pecting to  be  informed  of  the  cause  of  our  being 
taken,  and  to  have  an  opportunity  of  defending  our- 
selves; but  finding  no  notice  taken  of  us  by  our 
persecutors,  we  at  length  unitedly  demanded  of  one 
of  the  principal  messengers  a  copy  of  the  warrant, 
by  virtue  of  which  we  were  seized,  in  order  that 
we  might  know  from  thence  what  heinous  crimes 
were  charged  on  us  to  justify  such  rigorous  treat- 
ment. After  consulting  his  employers,  and  causing 
some  delay,  he  thought  proper  to  grant  our  de- 
mand; but  how  were  we  astonished  to  find  a  gene- 
ral warrant,  specifying  no  manner  of  offence  against 
us,  appointing  no  authority  to  hear  and  judge  whe- 
ther we  were  guilty  or  innocent,  nor  limiting  any 
duration  to  our  confinement!  Nor  was  this  extra- 
ordinary warrant  more  exceptionable  in  these  re- 
spects than  in  the  powers  given  to  the  messengers  to 
break,  and  search  not  only  our  own,  but  all  the 
houses  their  heated  imaginations  might  lead  them 
to  suspect.  It  would  be  tedious  to  remark  all  the 
gross  enormities  contained  in  this  engine  of  modern 


67 

despotism:  we  therefore  present  you  with  a  copy, 
from  the  bare  perusal  of  which,  you  will  form  a  bet- 
ter idea  of  the  arbitrary  spirit  it  breathes,  than  from 
any  description  we  could  possibly  give  it. 

IN  COUNCIL. 

Philadelphia,  Jiugust  31,  1777. 

** Whereas  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of 
North  America  have,  by  their  resolve  of  the  28th 
instant,  (August),  recommended  to  the  executive 
powers  of  the  several  states  to  apprehend  and  se- 
cure all  persons  who  have  in  their  general  conduct 
and  conversation  evidenced  a  disposition  inimical 
to  the  cause  of  America;  particularly  Joshua  Fisher, 
Abel  James,  James  Pemberton,  Henry  Drinker, 
Israel  Pemberton,  John  Pemberton,  John  James, 
Samuel  Pleasants,  Thomas  Wharton,  Sr.,  Thomas 
Fisher,  (son  of  Joshua,)  and  Samuel  Fisher,  (son  of 
Joshua,)  together  with  all  such  papers  in  their  pos- 
session as  may  be  of  a  political  nature,  and  that  the 
persons  so  seized,  be  confined  in  such  places,  and 
treated  in  such  manner,  as  shall  be  consistent  with 
their  respective  characters  and  the  security  of  their 
persons;  and  that  the  records  and  papers  of  the 
Meeting  of  Sufferings  of  the  society  of  the  people 
called  Quakers,  in  the  several  states,  be  forthwith 
secured,  and  that  such  parts  of  them  as  may  be  of  a 
political  nature,  be  forthwith  transmitted  to  Con- 
gress. 

'<And  whereas  it  is  necessary  for  the  public  safety 
at  this  time,  when  a  British  army  has  landed  in  Ma- 
ryland, with  a  professed  design  of  enslaving  this 
free  country,  and  is  now  advancing  towards  this 
city,  as  a  principal  object  of  hostility,  that  such  dan- 
gerous persons  be  accordingly  secured.      Therefore 

^^Resolved,  That  a  suitable  number  of  the  friends 


68 


to  the  public  cause  be  authorized,  forthwith,  to  seize 
and  secure  the  persons  of  the  said 


"Joshua  Fisher, 
**Abel  James, 
"James  Pemberton, 
'*John  Pemberton, 
*'Henry  Drinker, 
"Israel  Pemberton, 
"Samuel  Pleasants, 


"Thomas  Wharton,  Sr. 
"Thomas  Fisher,  (son  of 

Joshua,) 
"Samuel  Fisher,  (son  of 

Joshua,) 
John  James, 


AND  ALSO, 

"Owen  Jones,  Jr. 
"Jeremiah  Warder, 
William  Lenox, 
"Edward  Penington, 
"Caleb  Emlen, 
William  Smith,  (Broker,) 
"Samuel  Murdoch, 
Alexander  Stedman, 
Charles  Stedman,  Jr. 
"Thomas  Asheton,  (Mer- 
chant,) 
William  Imlay, 
"Thomas  Gilpin, 
"Samuel  Jackson,  and 
"Thomas  Affleck. 


"Miers  Fisher, 
Elijah  Brown, 
"Hugh  Roberts, 
"George  Roberts, 
"Joseph  Fox, 
"John  Hunt, 
"Samuel  Emlen,  Jr. 
"Adam  Kuhn,  M.  D. 
"Phineas  Bond, 
"William  Smith,  D.  D. 
"Rev.  Thomas  Coombe, 
"Samuel  Shoemaker, 
"Charles  Jervis, 
William  Drewet  Smith, 
"Charles  Eddy, 
"Thomas  Pike, 

^'Resolved,  That  the  following  instructions  be  also 
given: 

"Early  attention  should  be  given  to  John  Hunt, 
who  lives  on  the  Germantown  road,  about  five  miles 
off  the  city,  and  to  John  Pemberton,  Samuel  Emlen, 
and  other  leaders  in  the  Society  of  Quakers,  con- 
cerning books  and  papers.  As  to  the  rest,  your  own 
prudence  must  direct. 

"Congress  recommend  it,  and  we  wish  to  treat 
men  of  reputation  with  as  much  tenderness  as  the 
security  of  their  persons  and  papers  will  admit.    We 


desire,  therefore,  that  if  the  persons  whose  names 
in  the  list  are  marked  with  turned  commas,  thus*** 
offer  to  you  by  a  promise  in  writing  to  remain  in 
their  dwelling-houses,  ready  to  appear  on  demand 
of  Council,  and  meanwhile  to  refrain  from  doing  any 
thing  injurious  to  the  United  Free  States  of  North 
America,  by  speaking,  writing,  or  otherwise,  and 
from  giving  intelligence  to  the  commander-in-chief 
of  the  British  forces,  or  any  other  person  whatever, 
concerning  public  affairs,  you  dismiss  them  from 
further  confinement  of  their  persons;  but  if  such 
engagement,  or  a  promise  equivalent  thereto  cannot 
be  obtained,  we  desire  that  in  such  case  you  confine 
the  refusers,  together  with  the  others  to  whose 
names  the  said  mark  is  not  prefixed,  in  some  con- 
venient place,  under  a  guard,  with  which  the  town 
major.  Colonel  Nicola,  will  supply  you.  The  Free- 
mason's Lodge  may  be  perhaps  procured;  it  would 
serve  as  well  as  any  other  place  for  this  purpose. 
You  may  perceive  that  Council  would  not,  without 
necessity,  commit  many  of  the  persons  to  the  com> 
mon  jail,  nor  even  to  the  state  prison. 

^^ Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  be  appoint- 
ed and  authorized  to  carry  into  execution  the  re- 
solves of  yesterday,  respecting  the  arresting  such 
persons  as  are  deemed  inimical  to  the  cause  of  Ame- 
rican liberty,  viz. 

William  Bradford,  William  Hardy, 

Sbarpe  Delany,  Charles  Wilson  Peale, 

James  Claypole,  Captain  M'Culloch, 

William  Heysham,  Nathaniel  Donnell, 

John  Purviance,  Robert  Smith, 

Joseph  Blewer,  William  Carson, 

Paul  Cox,  Lazarus  Pine, 

Adam  Kemmel,  Captain  Birney, 

William  Graham,  John  Downey, 

♦  The  original  is  marked  with  a  cross. 


70 

John  Galloway,  James  Kerr, 

John  Li le,  William  Tharpe,  and 

James  Loughead,  Thomas  Bradford, 
James  Cannon, 

Together  with  such  other  persons  as  they  shall 
call  to  their  assistance. 

George  Bryan,  Vice  President. 

The  power  to  search  must  necessarily  extend  to 
the  opening  of  locks. 

George  Bryan,  Vice  President. 
(A  true  copy)  William  Bradford." 

You  will  observe  that  the  president  and  council, 
who  know  our  characters,  and  to  whom  (but  for 
their  prejudice  and  want  of  candour  in  this  instance), 
we  could  have  appealed  for  the  innocence  of  our 
conduct  and  conversation,  have  not  undertaken  to 
charge  us  with  any  offence,  but  rely  as  a  foundation 
for  their  proceedings  on  the  information  contained 
in  a  recommendation  of  Congress,  to  whom  the 
greatest  part  of  us  are  scarcely  known  but  by  name, 
and  who  must  have  formed  the  hard  judgment 
they  pronounced  against  us  unheard,  from  reports 
whispered  by  our  enemies. 

Can  any  thing  more  decisively  evidence  the  want 
of  proof  against  us,  and  the  injustice  of  the  insinua- 
tions, than  this  stubborn  incontrovertible  fact.  We 
have  demanded  as  a  matter  of  right,  to  be  heard  be- 
fore both  those  bodies,  who  have  hitherto  declined 
it — a  demand,  reasonable  in  itself,  founded  on  the 
immutable  principles  of  equity,  and  warranted  by 
the  constitution  under  which  the  council  derive 
every  power  they  claim. 

The  powers  granted  by  this  warrant  are  such  as 
in  any  free  country,  where  the  laws,  and  not  the 
will  of  the  governors,  are  the  standard  of  justice. 


71 

would  be  reprobated,  as  over-turning  every  security 
that  men  can  rely  on.  Your  houses,  which,  by  the 
law  of  the  land,  are  your  castles  against  invaders, 
your  chambers,  your  closets,  your  desks,  the  reposi- 
tories of  your  deeds,  your  securities,  your  letters  of 
business,  or  friendship,  and  other  domestic  con- 
cerns, which  every  man  naturally  wishes  to  keep 
within  the  circle  of  his  own  family,  are  permitted 
to  be  broken,  searched,  exposed  to  the  prying  eye 
of  malignant  curiosity,  and  all  this  without  any  well 
founded  cause  of  suspicion.  This  is  not  declama- 
tion, nor  an  idle  apprehension  of  imaginary  griev- 
ances, but  a  true  representation  of  what  some  of  us 
have  experienced  in  the  execution  of  this  unprece- 
dented commission.  Nor  can  any  man  think  hiVn- 
self  safe,  from  the  like,  or  perhaps  more  mischiev- 
ous effects,  if  a  precedent  of  so  extraordinary  a 
nature  be  established  by  a  tame  acquiescence  with 
the  present  wrong. 

By  perusing  the  following  remonstrance  made  to 
the  Council  by  three  of  us,  you  will  find  that  appli- 
cation was  made  for  relief  from  our  oppressions. 

A  Remonstrance  this  day  presented  to  the  Presi- 
dent and  Council,  by  the  hands  of  their  Secre- 
tary. 

To  the  President  and  Council  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  Remonstrance  of  Israel  Pemberton,  John 
Hunt,  and  Samuel  Pleasants,  sheweth. 

That  Lewis  Nicola  is  about  to  deprive  us  of  our 
liberty,  by  an  order  from  you,  of  which  the  follow- 
ing is  a  copy,  viz. 

In  Council,  September  3,  1777. 

Ordered,  **That  Colonel  Nicola,  town  major,  do 
take  a  proper  guard  and  seize  Israel  Pemberton, 


72 

John  Hunt  and  Samuel  Pleasants,  and  conduct  them 
to  the  Freemason's  Lodge,  and  there  confine  them 
under  guard  till  further  orders." 

We  are  advised,  and  from  our  own  knowledge  of 
our  rights  and  privilege  as  freemen,  are  assured, 
that  your  issuing  this  order  is  arbitrary,  unjust  and 
illegal,  and  we  therefore  believe  it  is  our  duty,  in 
clear  and  express  terms,  to  remonstrate  against  it. 

The  order  appears  to  be  arbitrary,  as  you  have 
assumed  an  authority,  not  founded  on  law  or  rea- 
son, to  deprive  us,  who  are  peaceable  men,  and 
have  never  borne  arms,  of  our  liberty,  by  a  military 
force,  when  you  might  have  directed  a  legal  course 
of  proceeding — unjust,  as  we  have  not  attempted, 
nor  are  charged  with  any  act  inconsistent  with  the 
character  we  have  steadily  maintained,  of  good  citi- 
zens, solicitous  to  promote  the  real  interest  and 
prosperity  of  our  country,  and  that  it  is  illegal,  is 
evident  from  the  perusal  and  consideration  of  the 
constitution  of  the  government,  from  which  you 
derive  all  your  authority  and  power. 

We  therefore  claim  our  undoubted  right  as  free- 
men, having  a  just  sense  of  the  inestimable  value  of 
religious  and  civil  liberty,  to  be  heard  before  we  are 
confined,  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  said  order; 
and  we  have  the  more  urgent  cause  for  insisting  on 
this  our  right,  as  several  of  our  fellow  citizens  have 
been  some  days,  and  now  are  confined  by  your 
order,  and  no  opportunity  is  given  them  to  be 
heard;  and  we  have  been  informed  that  it  is  your 
purpose  to  send  them  and  us  into  a  distant  part  of 
the  country,  even  beyond  the  limits  of  the  jurisdic- 
tion you  claim,  and  where  the  recourse  we  are 
justly  and  lawfully  entitled  to,  of  being  heard,  and 
of  clearing  ourselves  from  any  charge  or  suspicions 
you  may  entertain  of  us,  will  be  impracticable. 
We  fervently  desire  you  may  be  so  wise  as  to 


I 


73 

attend  to  the  dictates  of  truth  and  justice  in  your 
own  minds,  and  observe  the  precepts  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  whom  you  profess  to  believe  in — "All 
things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should  do  to 
you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them,"  Matthew  vii.  12,  and 
then  we  have  no  doubt  you  will  comply  with  this 
just  claim  we  make,  which  will  be  duly  acknow- 
ledged by  your  real  friends  and  well-wishers, 

Israel  Pemberton, 
John  Hunt, 
Samuel  Pleasants. 
Philadelphia,  Ath  9th  mo.,  1777. 

We,  the  said  subscribers,  attended  at  the  door 
of  the  Council-chamber,  and  made  application  by 
the  Secretary  to  be  admitted,  in  order  to  deliver 
our  remonstrance,  to  which  we  could,  after  repeat- 
ed applications,  obtain  no  other  answer  than  that 
^'Council  had  issued  the  arrest,  in  consequence  of  a 
resolve  of  Congress,  and  cannot  now  admit  you  to 
be  heard." 

We  therefore  delivered  our  remonstrance  to  the 
Secretary,  and  waited  until  he  came  out  on  another 
occasion,  and  told  us  '*it  had  been  read  to  the 
Council,  and  they  afterwards  proceeded  to  the  other 
business  which  was  before  them."  Immediately 
after  which  we  were  conducted  by  Lewis  Nicola, 
to  the  Free-Masons'  Lodge,  where  we  are  now  con- 
fined, with  a  number  of  our  fellow-citizens,  with 
whom  we  have  joined  in  a  more  full  remonstrance 
to  the  President  and  Council;  and  this  evening  Wil- 
liam Bradford  came  to  us  and  read  to  us  a  letter,  of 
which  the  following  is  a  copy,  viz: 

Sir, 

Council  have  resolved  to  send  the  prisoners,  now 
confined  at  the  Free-Masons'  Lodge,  to  Stanton,  in 
the  county  of  Augusta,   in  the  state  of  Virginia, 
7 


74 

there  to  be  secured  and  treated  in  such  manner  as 
shall  be  consistent  with  their  respective  characters, 
and  the  security  of  their  persons,  which  you  are 
requested  to  communicate  to  them,  and  inform 
them  that  carriages  will  be  provided  for  their  ac- 
commodation in  the  journey,  unless  they  choose  to 
provide  themselves  therewith.  It  is  proposed  that 
they  go  off  Saturday  morning  next. 
I  am,  with  great  respect. 

Your  humble  servant, 

T.  Matlack,  Secretary. 
Thursday^  Sep.  4,  1777. 

To  Colonel  W.  Bradford. 

(Copy.) 

The  above  is  a  true  copy  of  the  letter  I  received 
this  evening  from 

T.  Matlack, 
W.  Bradford. 


By  the  letter  published  at  the  foot  of  it,  you  will 
see  what  are  the  ideas  of  justice  entertained  by  the 
Council.  Instead  of  the  required  hearing,  to  avoid 
such  application,  they  resolved  to  banish  us,  un- 
heard, into  an  obscure  corner  of  a  country,  near 
three  hundred  miles  distant  from  our  parents,  our 
wives,  our  children,  our  dear  and  tender  connec- 
tions, friends  and  acquaintance,  to  whom  we  owe, 
and  from  whom  we  expect  protection,  assistance, 
comfort,  and  every  endearing  office,  to  a  country 
where  the  President  and  Council  have  no  pretence 
of  jurisdiction,  from  whence  we  may  be  liable  to  be 
further  banished. 

Before  the  receipt  of  that  letter,  we  had  prepared 
and  sent  the  following  remonstrance: 


75 


To  the  President  and  Council  of  Pennsylvania. 
The  Remonstrance  of  the  Subscribers,    Free- 
men, and  Inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Philadel- 
phia, now  confined  in  the  Free-Masons^  Lodge, 
sheweth: 

That  the  subscribers  have  been,  by  virtue  of  a 
warrant  signed  in  Council  by  George  Bryan,  vice 
president,  arrested  in  our  houses,  and  on  our  lawful 
occasions,  and  conducted  to  this  place,  where  we 
have  been  kept  in  close  confinement,  under  a  strong 
military  guard,  two  or  more  days:  that  although 
divers  of  us  demanded  of  the  messengers  who  ar- 
rested us,  and  insisted  on  having  copies  of  the  said 
warrant,  yet  we  were  not  able  to  procure  the  same, 
till  this  present  time,  but  have  remained  here  unac- 
cused and  unheard.  We  now  take  the  earliest  op-> 
portunity  of  laying  our  grievances  before  your 
body,  from  whom  we  apprehend  they  proceed,  and 
of  claiming  to  ourselves  the  liberties  and  privileges 
to  which  we  are  entitled  by  the  fundamental  rules 
of  justice,  by  our  birthright  and  inheritance,  the 
laws  of  the  land,  and  by  the  express  provision  of 
the  present  constitution,  under  which  your  board 
derive  their  power. 

We  apprehend  that  no  man  can  lawfully  be  de- 
prived of  his  liberty  without  a  warrant  from  some 
persons  having  competent  authority,  specifying  an 
offence  against  the  laws  of  the  land,  supported  by 
oath  or  affirmation  of  the  accuser,  and  limiting  the 
time  of  his  imprisonment  until  he  is  heard,  or  legal- 
ly discharged,  unless  the  party  be  found  in  the 
actual  perpetration  of  a  crime.  Natural  justice, 
equally  with  law,  declares  that  the  party  accused 
should  know  what  he  is  to  answer  to,  and  have  an 
opportunity  of  showing  his  innocence.    These  prin- 


76 

ciples  are  strongly  enforced  in  the  ninth  and  tenth 
sections  of  the  declaration  of  rights,  which  form  a 
fundamental  and  inviolable  part  of  the  constitution, 
from  which  you  derive  your  power,  and  wherein  it 
is  declared, 

IX.  "That  in  all  prosecutions  for  criminal  of- 
fences a  man  hath  a  right  to  be  heard  by  himself 
and  his  counsel,  to  demand  the  cause  and  nature  of 
his  accusation,  to  be  confronted  with  the  witnesses, 
to  call  for  evidence  in  his  favour,  and  a  speedy  pub- 
lic trial  by  an  impartial  jury  of  the  country;  with- 
out the  unanimous  consent  of  which  jury,  he  cannot 
be  found  guilty;  nor  can  he  be  compelled  to  give 
evidence  against  himself;  nor  can  any  man  be  justly 
deprived  of  his  liberty,  except  by  the  laws  of  the 
land,  or  the  judgment  of  his  peers. 

X.  "That  the  people  have  a  right  to  hold  them- 
selves, their  houses,  papers  and  possessions  free 
from  search  or  seizure,  and  therefore  warrants, 
without  oaths  or  affirmations  first  made,  affording  a 
sufficient  foundation  for  them,  and  whereby  any 
officer  or  messenger  may  be  commanded  or  re- 
quired to  search  suspected  places,  or  to  seize  any 
person  or  persons,  his  or  their  property  not  particu- 
larly described,  are  contrary  to  that  right,  and  ought 
not  to  be  granted." 

How  far  these  principles  have  been  adhered  to 
in  the  course  of  this  business  we  shall  go  on  to  show. 

Upon  the  examination  of  the  said  warrant,  we 
find  it  is,  in  all  respects,  inadequate  to  these  de- 
scriptions; altogether  unprecedented  in  this  or  any 
free  country,  both  in  its  substance,  and  the  latitude 
given  to  the  messengers  who  were  to  execute  it, 
and  wholly  subversive  of  the  very  constitution  you 
profess  to  support.  The  only  charge  on  which  it 
is  founded,  is  a  recommendation  of  Congress  to  ap- 
prehend and  secure  all  persons  who  in  their  general 


77 

conduct  and  conversation  have  evidenced  a  disposi- 
tion inimical  to  the  cause  of  America,  and  particu- 
larly naming  some  of  us — but  not  suggesting  the 
least  offence  to  have  been  committed  by  us. 

It  authorizes  the  messengers  to  search  all  papers 
belonging  to  us,  upon  a  bare  possibility  that  some- 
thing political  may  be  found,  but  without  the  least 
ground  for  a  suspicion  of  the  kind. 

It  requires  papers,  relative  to  the  sufferings  of  the 
people  called  Quakers,  to  be  seized,  without  limit- 
ing the  search  to  any  house,  or  number  of  houses; 
under  colour  of  which  every  house  in  this  city 
might  be  broke  open. 

To  the  persons  whom  the  Congress  have  thought 
proper  to  select,  the  warrant  adds  a  number  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  city,  of  whom  some  of  us  are  part, 
without  the  least  insinuation  that  they  are  within 
the  description  given  by  the  Congress  in  their  re- 
commendation. 

It  directs  all  these  matters  to  be  executed,  (though 
of  the  highest  importance  to  the  liberties  of  the  peo- 
ple,) at  the  discretion  of  a  set  of  men  who  are  under 
no  qualification  for  the  due  execution  of  the  office, 
and  are  unaccustomed  to  the  forms  of  executing  civil 
process,  from  whence  probably  have  proceeded  the 
excesses  and  irregularities  committed  by  some  of 
them,  in  divers  instances,  by  refusing  to  give  copies 
of  the  process  to  the  parties  arrested,  by  denying  to 
some  of  us  a  reasonable  time  to  consider  of  answers 
and  prepare  for  confinement.  In  the  absence  of 
others,  by  breaking  our  desks  and  other  private  re- 
positories— and  by  ransacking  and  carrying  off  do- 
mestic papers,  printed  books,  and  other  matters  not 
within  the  terms  of  the  warrant. 

It  limits  no  time  for  the  duration  of  our  imprison- 
ment, nor  points  at  any  hearing,  which  is  an  abso- 
lute requisite  to  make  a  legal  warrant;    but  con- 
7* 


78 

founds  in  one  warrant,  the  power  to  apprehend,  and 
the  authority  to  commit,  without  interposing  a  ju- 
dicial officer  between  the  parties  and  the  messenger. 

Upon  the  whole,  we  conceive  this  warrant  and 
the  proceedings  thereupon,  to  be  far  more  danger- 
ous in  its  tendency,  and  a  more  flagrant  violation  of 
every  right  which  is  dear  to  freemen,  than  any  that 
can  be  found  in  the  records  of  the  English  consti- 
tution. 

But  when  we  consider  the  use  to  which  this  ge- 
neral warrant  has  been  applied,  and  the  persons  upon 
whom  it  has  been  executed,  {who  challenge  the 
world  to  charge  them  with  offence),  it  becomes  of 
too  great  magnitude  to  be  considered  as  the  cause  of 
a  few.  It  is  the  cause  of  every  inhabitant,  and 
may,  if  permitted  to  pass  into  a  precedent,  establish 
a  system  of  arbitrary  power  unknown  but  in  the  in- 
quisition or  the  despotic  courts  of  the  east. 

What  adds  further  to  this  alarming  stretch  of 
power  is  that  we  are  informed  the  Vice  President 
of  the  Council  has  declared  to  one  of  the  magistrates 
of  the  city,  who  called  on  him  to  enquire  into  the 
cause  of  our  confinement,  that  we  were  to  be  sent 
to  Virginia  unheard. 

Scarcely  could  we  believe  such  a  declaration  could 
have  been  made  by  a  person  who  fills  the  second 
place  in  the  government,  till  we  were  this  day  con- 
firmed in  the  melancholy  truth  by  three  of  the  sub- 
scribers, whom  you  absolutely  refused  to  hear  in 
person  or  by  counsel.  We  would  remind  you  of 
the  complaints  urged  by  numbers  of  yourselves 
against  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain,  for  con- 
demning the  town  of  Boston  unheard,  and  we  call 
upon  you  to  reconcile  your  present  conduct  with 
your  then  professions,  or  your  repeated  declarations 
in  favour  of  general  liberty. 

In  the  name,  therefore,  of  the  whole  body  of  the 


79 

freemen  of  Pennsylvania,  whose  liberties  are  radi- 
cally struck  at  in  this  arbitrary  imprisonment  of  us, 
their  unoffending  fellow  citizens,  we  demand  an 
audience,  that  so  our  innocence  may  appear,  and 
persecution  give  place  to  justice.  But  if,  regard- 
less of  every  sacred  obligation  by  which  men  are 
bound  to  each  other  in  society,  and  of  that  constitu- 
tion by  which  you  profess  to  govern,  which  you 
have  so  loudly  magnified  for  the  free  spirit  it 
breathes,  you  are  still  determined  to  proceed,  be 
the  appeal  to  the  Righteous  Judge  of  all  the  earth 
for  the  integrity  of  our  hearts,  and  the  unparalleled 
tyranny  of  your  measures. 

James  Pemberton,  Thomas  Affleck, 

Thomas  Wharton,  Charles  Jervis, 

Thomas  Coombe,  William  Smith,  (broker,) 

Edward  Pennington,  William  Drewet  Smith, 

Henry  Drinker,  Thomas  Fisher, 

Phineas  Bond,  Miers  Fisher, 

Thomas  Gilpin,  Charles  Eddy, 

John  Pemberton,  Israel  Pemberton, 

Thomas  Pike,  John  Hunt, 

Owen  Jones,  Jr.  Samuel  Pleasants. 

Masons^  Lodge,  Philadelphia,  1 
September  Ath,  \111.  \ 

N.  B.  The  three  last  subscribers  were  first  at- 
tended by  some  of  those  who  executed  the  general 
warrant;  but  after  their  remonstrance  to  the  Presi- 
dent and  Council,  were  arrested  by  Lewis  Nicola, 
and  conducted  to  the  Lodge  by  a  special  order  to 
him. 

The  foregoing  remonstrance  was  delivered  to 
Thomas  Wharton,  Jr.,  President,  &c.  last  evening, 
who  promised  to  lay  it  before  Council,  and  send  an 


80 

answer  to  one  of  the  gentlemen,  who  delivered  it  to 
him  this  morning,  but  no  answer  has  yet  been  re- 
ceived. 

September  bth,  half  past  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Thus  the  matter  rested  till  about  seven  o'clock 
yesterday  evening,  when  instead  of  returning  an 
answer  to  our  repeated  demand  of  a  hearing,  which 
we  still  adhere  to  as  our  undoubted  right,  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Council  inclosed  to  William  Bradford  a 
copy  of  a  new  resolve,  desiring  him  to  acquaint  us 
with  it;  wherein,  without  the  least  mention  of  sup- 
porting their  insinuations  against  us,  they  shift  the 
ground  on  which  they  set  out,  and  propose  a  test  to 
be  taken  by  us,  in  full  satisfaction  of  all  their  sus- 
picions. 

To  this  resolve  we  are  preparing  an  answer, 
which  we  intend  soon  to  lay  before  them:  and  in 
the  mean  time  we  beg  you  will  avoid  the  being  in- 
fluenced by  any  anonymous  publications  which  our 
adversaries,  to  draw  our  attention  from  the  imme- 
diate object  before  us,  may  utter  against  us,  filled 
with  falsehoods  and  misrepresentations,  which  they 
may  be  encouraged  to  publish  from  an  assurance 
that  the  printers  would  conceal  their  names. 

Our  attention  is  now  engaged  in  a  most  important 
struggle  for  civil  and  religious  liberty;  we  therefore 
hope  you  will  not  expect  us  to  waste  that  time  in 
refuting  such  anonymous  performances,  which  is 
wholly  requisite  for  bringing  this  grand  point  to  a 
proper  conclusion.  We  cannot  however  wholly 
pass  by  a  publication  in  the  last  Evening  Post,  cal- 
culated to  throw  an  odium  on  tiie  just  cause  in 
which  we  are  suffering.  It  is  represented  in  that 
piece,  that  the  Quakers  are  the  principal  objects  of 
resentment,  and  the  cause  assigned  is  the  issuing 
"seditious  publications  styled  Testimonies,  one  of 


81 

which  they  assert  has  been  unseasonably  published 
at  two  critical  periods. 

A  single  ray  of  christian  charity  would  be  suffi- 
cient to  show  the  uncandid  construction  put  by  that 
writer  upon  the  exercise  of  those  religious  rights  se- 
cured by  the  constitution  to  every  religious  society 
of  warning  and  admonishing  their  members  to  avoid 
every  thing  inconsistent  with  the  principles  they 
hold.  It  is  well  known  that  at  both  the  times 
hinted  at,  contending  armies  were  endeavouring, 
within  the  circle  of  their  yearly  meeting,  to  pro- 
cure all  persons  that  should  come  in  their  way  to 
join  them  in  military  preparations. 

The  testimony  of  the  Quakers  is  against  all  wars 
and  fighting,  and  against  entering  into  military  en- 
gagements of  any  kind;  surely,  then,  it  was  the 
right  of  the  representatives  of  that  society  to  cau- 
tion their  members  from  engaging  in  any  thing  con- 
trary to  their  religious  principles.  But  if  it  be  an 
offence  in  those  who  were  active  in  that  publica- 
tion, what  have  those  of  us  done  who  are  not  mem- 
bers of  that  society,  who  are  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land, (which  two  denominations  comprehend  all  the 
subscribers),  and  who  have  published  no  testimo- 
nies. 

But  this  cannot  be  considered  by  the  writer  as  a 
dangerous  publication,  or  why  does  he  republish  it 
in  the  present  critical  situation  of  public  aff'airs; 
surely  this  charge  is  a  mere  pretence  to  vilify  a 
respectable  body  of  the  inhabitants. 

Thus  we  have  furnished  you  with  a  calm  and 
dispassionate  account  of  our  present  circumstances, 
and  we  wish  to  have  it  considered  as  a  vindication 
of  our  own  characters,  and  a  peaceable,  though  firm 
assertion  of  the  unalienable  rights  of  freemen. 

Difficulties  may  perhaps  await  us,  but  relying  on 
the  assistance  of  that  Almighty  Being,  who  is  the 


82 

guardian  of  the  innocent,  we  prepare  to  meet  them 
rather  than  endanger  public  happiness  and  freedom 
by  a  voluntary  surrender  of  those  rights  which  we 
have  never  forfeited. 

Mason's  LodgCy  September  6th,  1777. 
Israel  Pemberton,  Miers  Fisher, 

John  Hunt,  Thomas  Fisher, 

James  Pemberton,  Samuel  R.  Fisher, 

Thomas  Wharton,  Thomas  Affleck, 

John  Pemberton,  Charles  Jervis, 

Thomas  Coombe,  William  Smith,  (broker,) 

Edward  Pennington,         Thomas  Pike, 
Henry  Drinker,  William  Drewet  Smith, 

Samuel  Pleasants,  Elijah  Brown, 

Thomas  Gilpin,  Charles  Eddy, 

Phineas  Bond,  Owen  Jones,  Jr. 

September  8th,  1777. 
P.  S.  The  foregoing  address  was  prepared  and 
intended  for  publication  in  the  Evening  Post  of  the 
6th  instant;  but  before  we  thought  proper  to  deli- 
ver it  to  the  printer,  we  chose  to  have  some  con- 
versation with  him;  he  was  sent  for  and  attended 
us,  we  told  him  we  had  a  paper  to  publish  in  our 
vindication,  with  our  names  signed;  that  as  we  were 
confined  upon  some  suspicions  unknown  to  us,  it 
was  hard  we  should  be  attacked  by  anonymous 
writers  in  the  papers,  our  characters  aspersed,  and 
prejudices  excited  against  us,  when  we  were  de- 
manding a  hearing,  which  ought  to  be  unbiassed  and 
impartial.  We  therefore  required  of  him,  as  what 
we  thought  a  matter  of  right,  according  to  the  rules 
of  every  impartial  free  press,  that  he  would  refrain 
from  publishing  hereafter  any  anonymous  papers 
reflecting  upon  us,  and  that  he  would  acquaint  us 
with  the  name  of  the  writer  of  two  paragraphs,  in 
the  then  last  Post,  highly  injurious  to  our  charac- 


83 

ters.  To  the  former  he  gave  us  an  absolute  pro- 
mise to  adhere;  to  the  latter,  he  said,  that  he  could 
not  give  up  the  name  without  the  writer's  consent; 
that  he  would  go  to  him  and  return  with  his  answer 
as  soon  as  he  could,  at  the  same  time  promising  that 
if  we  desired  it  he  would  insert  our  address  in  the 
Post  of  that  evening,  though  it  would  delay  its  ap- 
pearance till  some  time  the  next  day.  He  went 
away  and  we  have  not  since  heard  from  him. 
Hence  we  conclude  the  writer  is  ashamed  to  avow 
the  performance. 

We  now  lay  before  you  a  remonstrance  presented 
to  Congress  by  eight  of  us,  who  were  selected  by 
them,  and  recommended  to  the  Council  as  dangerous 
men,  who  ought  to  be  secured,  the  rest  of  us  being 
named  by  the  Council  themselves,  and  included  to- 
gether with  them  in  the  general  warrant. 

TO  THE  CONGRESS. 

The  Remonstrance  of  the  Subscribers,  Citizens  of 
Philadelphia,  sheweth: 

That  we  are  now  confined  by  a  military  guard, 
having  been  arrested  and  deprived  of  our  liberty  by 
order  of  the  President  and  Council  of  Pennsylvania, 
in  consequence  of  a  resolve  made  by  you,  on  the 
28th  day  of  the  last  month,  '^recommending  to  the 
executive  powers  of  the  several  states,  to  apprehend 
and  secure  all  persons,  who  have,  in  their  general 
conduct  and  conversation,  evidenced  a  disposition 
inimical  to  the  cause  of  America,"  and  particularly 
naming  us,  the  subscribers,  'together  with  all  such 
papers  in  our  possession  as  may  be  of  a  political  na- 
ture;" the  copy  of  which  resolve  we  could  not  ob- 
tain till  yesterday  afternoon. 

Conscious  of  our  innocence,  and  that  we  have 
ministered  no  just  occasion  to  have  our  characters 


64 

thus  traduced  and  injuriously  treated,  we  have  re- 
monstrated to  the  said  President  and  Council  against 
their  arbitrary,  unjust  and  illegal  proceedings  against 
us,  and  demanded  our  undoubted  right  of  being 
heard  by  them;  knowing  we  can  manifest  the  false- 
hood and  injustice  of  any  injurious  charge  or  suspi- 
cions they  or  you  may  entertain  concerning  us; 
but  we  are  denied  the  opportunity  of  such  a  hearing, 
and  were  last  evening  informed,  by  their  order,  that 
they  have  resolved  to  send  us  to  Stanton,  in  the 
county  of  Augusta,  in  Virginia,  to  be  secured  there; 
and  we  are  now  told  that  place  is  appointed  by  you 
for  our  confinement. 

We  therefore,  by  our  love  to  our  country,  whose 
true  interest  and  prosperity  we  have  steadily  pur- 
sued, through  the  course  of  our  conduct  and  con- 
versations, and  in  justice  to  our  characters  as  free- 
men and  christians,  with  that  freedom  and  resolution 
which  influences  men,  conscious  of  being  void  of 
just  cause  of  ojffence,  are  bound  to  remonstrate 
against  your  arbitrary,  unjust,  and  cruel  treatment 
of  us,  our  characters,  and  families,  and  against  the 
course  of  proceeding  you  have  chose  and  prescribed; 
by  which  the  liberty,  property,  and  character  of 
every  freeman  in  America  is,  or  may  be  endan- 
gered. Most  of  you  are  not  personally  known  to 
us,  nor  are  we  to  you;  and  few  of  you  have  had  the 
opportunity  of  conversing  with  any  of  us,  or  of 
knowing  any  thing  more  of  our  conduct  and  con- 
versation than  what  you  have  received  from  others, 
and  thus  we  are  subjected  to  the  unjust  suspicions 
you  have  entertained  from  the  uncertain  reports  of 
our  adversaries,  and  are  condemned  unheard,  to  be 
deprived  of  our  most  endearing  connections  and 
temporal  enjoyments,  when  our  personal  care  of 
them  is  most  immediately  necessary. 

We  are  therefore    engaged  in  the  most  solemn 


85 

manner,  to  call  upon  and  entreat  you  to  reconsider 
the  course  of  your  proceedings  respecting  us;  and 
either  by  yourselves,  or  the  said  President  and 
Council,  to  give  us  the  opportunity  of  hearing  and 
answering  to  every  matter  suggested  to,  and  enter- 
tained by  you  or  them  against  us — being  assured  we 
shall  appear  to  be  true  friends  to,  and  anxiously  so- 
licitous for  the  prosperity  of  America,  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  justice  and  liberty — and  though  we  are 
clearly  convinced,  from  the  precepts  of  Christ,  the 
doctrine  of  his  apostles,  and  the  example  of  his  fol- 
lowers in  the  primitive  ages  of  Christianity,  that  all 
outward  wars  and  fightings  are  unlawful,  and  there- 
fore cannot  join  therein,  for  any  cause  whatever — 
we  cannot  but  remind  you,  that  we  are  by  the  same 
principles  restrained  from  pursuing  any  measures 
inconsistent  with  the  apostolic  advice,  '*To  live 
peaceably  with  all  men,"  under  whatever  powers  it 
is  our  lot  to  live,  which  rule  of  conduct  we  are  de- 
termined to  observe,  whatever  you  or  any  others 
may  determine  concerning  us. 

Your  characters  in  the  conspicuous  station  you 
stand,  and  the  regard  due  to  the  liberties,  proper- 
ties, and  even  the  lives  of  those  who  are,  and  may 
be  affected  by  the  course  of  your  proceedings,  so 
loudly  proclaim  the  justice  of  our  demand  of  a 
hearing,  that  if  more  time  remained  for  it,  we  judge 
farther  reasoning  unnecessary,  beseeching  you  to 
remember  that  we  are  all  to  appear  before  the  tri- 
bunal of  Divine  Justice,  there  to  render  an  account 
of  our  actions,  and  to  receive  a  reward  according  as 
our  works  have  been.  And  we  sincerely  desire 
for  you,  as  we  do  for  ourselves,  that  we  may  all  so 
direct  our  course  that  we  may  at  that  tribunal  re- 
ceive the  answer  <'of  well  done,"  and  enjoy  the  re- 
ward of  eternal  peace  and  happiness. 

We  are  your  real  friends, 
Israel  Pemberton,  James  Pemberton, 

8 


86 

John  Pemberton,  Thomas  Fisher, 

Thomas  Wharton,  Samuel  Pleasants, 

Henry  Drinker,  Samuel  R.  Fisher. 

Philadelphia,  5th  9lh  mo.  1777, 
Lodge-Mley. 

We  have  seen  the  resolves  of  Congress  published 
in  the  Evening  Post,  of  which  we  shall  take  due 
notice;  and  also  the  papers  published  by  order  of 
Congress  in  a  supplement  to  the  Pennsylvania 
Packet;  as  they  are  particularly  pointed  at  a  reli- 
gious society,  who  are  capable  of  answering  for 
their  own  conduct,  we  shall  leave  it  to  them  to  con- 
fute the  insinuations  contained  in  some  parts  of  that 
publication,  which  some  of  us  know  they  are  able 
to  do. 

We  also  think  it  our  duty  to  acquaint  you,  that 
Alexander  Stedman  and  Charles  Stedman,  Jr.,  who 
are  included  in  the  general  warrant,  were  appre- 
hended and  brought  here  with  us,  but  in  a  few 
hours  they  were  carried  under  guard  to  the  new 
prison,  where  we  are  informed  they  yet  remain  as 
much  neglected  by  their  accusers  as  we  have  been. 

N.  B.  Seven  o'clock,  P.  M.  We  presented 
another  remonstrance  to  the  President  and  Council 
this  day,  to  which  we  have  received  an  answer, 
both  which  we  shall  endeavour  to  hand  to  the  pub- 
lic to-morrow. 

Masons'  Lodge,  September  9,  1777. 
We  now  lay  before  you  the  papers  referred  to  in 
our  note  of  last  evening,  together  with  a  copy  of  a 
letter  received  by  Dr.  Hutchinson,  informing  us  of 
the  result  of  Council  upon  the  last  remonstrance. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Timothy  Matlack  to  Wil- 
liam Bradford. 

Philadelphia,  September  5,  1777. 
Sir, — A  remonstrance  signed  by  the  gentlemen 


87 

confined  at  the  Masons*  Lodge,  having  been  pre- 
sented to  Council  and  read,  the  Council  took  the 
same  into  consideration  and  asked  the  advice  of 
Congress  thereupon,  which  being  received,  Council 
thereupon  passed  the  following  resolve,  which  they 
beg  the  favour  of  you  to  communicate  to  the  afore- 
said gentlemen. 

IN  COUNCIL, 

Philadelphia,  September  5,  1777. 
Resolved,  That  such  of  the  persons  now  confined 
in  the  Lodge,  as  shall  take  and  subscribe  the  oath 
or  affirmation  required  by  law  in  this  common- 
wealth; or  that  shall  take  and  subscribe  the  follow- 
ing oath  or  affirmation,  to  wit: 

**I  do  swear,  (or  affirm,)  that  I  will  be  faithful 
and  bear  true  allegiance  to  the  commonwealth  of 
Pennsylvania  as  a  free  and  independent  state/'  shall 
be  discharged. 

I  am,  respectfully,  your  very  humble  servant, 

T.  Matlack,  Secretary. 
To  Col.  W.  Bradford. 

N.  B.  This  letter  was  delivered  to  Mr.  Bradford 
as  the  answer  of  Council  to  the  second  remon- 
strance. 

Copy  of  a  third  remonstrance  presented  to  the 
President  and  Council  yesterday  by  the  hands  of 
Samuel  Rhoads  and  Dr.  Hutchinson. 

TO  THE  PRESIDENT  AND  COUNCIL  OF  PENNTSLVANIA. 

The  remonstrance  of  the  subscribers,  freemen  and 
inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  now 
confined  in  the  Masons^  Lodge,  sheweth: 

That  it  is  with  pain  we  find  ourselves  under  the 
disagreeable  necessity  of  again  remonstrating  against 


88 

your  extraordinary  mode  of  treating  us;  when  our 
last  remonstrance  was  delivered  to  your  President, 
he  gave  expectation  to  our  fellow  citizens  who  wait- 
ed on  him,  that  he  would  lay  it  before  you  and  re- 
turn an  answer;  notwithstanding  which,  we  have  as 
yet  received  no  answer  whatsoever  to  it,  but  in- 
stead thereof,  a  paper  signed  by  your  Secretary  was 
delivered  to  us  by  William  Bradford,  the  contents 
of  which  we  shall  have  occasion  to  remark  on. 

But  we  must  not  omit  another  letter  received 
through  the  same  channel,  by  which  we  are  con- 
firmed in  the  truth  of  what  we  had  before  heard, 
that  on  the  very  day  you  were  addressed  by  three  of 
us  to  be  heard,  and  before  we  were  furnished  with 
a  copy  of  the  general  warrant,  you  had  resolved  to 
banish  us  to  Stanton,  in  the  county  of  Augusta,  in 
Virginia,  a  place  where  you  claim  no  jurisdiction, 
and  to  which  we  are  utter  strangers;  this  resolution 
formed  against  a  body  of  innocent  freemen,  while 
demanding  to  be  heard,  is,  wc  believe,  the  first  in- 
stance of  the  kind  to  be  found  in  the  history  of  our 
country:  and,  besides  the  violent  infringement  of 
the  laws  and  constitution  which  you  have  engaged 
to  govern  by,  the  hardship  is  heightened  by  the  par- 
ticular situation  of  that  country  at  this  time;  as  it  is 
publicly  asserted,  that  the  Indians  have  alread}*^  com- 
menced hostilities  upon  the  frontiers  of  Virginia,not 
very  far  distant  from  the  place  of  our  intended  ba- 
nishment, as  though  you  could  find  no  place  of  se- 
curity without  endangering  our  lives. 

From  the  professions  you  have  repeatedly  made 
of  your  love  of  liberty  and  justice,  and  the  manner 
in  which  we  have  demanded  our  undoubted  rights, 
we  had  reason  to  expect  to  have  heard  from  you  on 
the  subject  of  our  last  remonstrance;  but  we  find  we 
were  mistaken,  and  the  complaints  of  injured  free- 
men still  remain  unanswered. 


89 

Whether  you  imaorine  we  are  of  too  little  conse- 
quence to  be  regarded,  or  expect  that  confinement 
will  reduce  us  to  a  tame  acquiescence  with  your  ar- 
bitrary proceedings,  we  shall  not  determine — it  will 
not  divert  our  attention  from  the  important  object 
we  have  in  view  in  behalf  of  ourselves  and  our 
country;  nor  will  subtle  proposals,  fit  only  to  cap- 
tivate the  unwary,  decoy  us  from  the  sure  ground 
on  which  we  stand  into  a  measure  as  illegal  and  un- 
constitutional as  your  general  warrant,  and  our  op- 
pressive treatment  under  it. 

The  proposition  contained  in  your  resolve  of  the 
5th  instant  to  discharge  us  upon  taking  the  test  '^re- 
quired  by  law,"  or  the  new  test  framed  by  your- 
selves, now  demands  our  notice. 

And  first  we  would  observe  that  if  you  had  a  right 
to  make  such  a  proposition,  we  think  it  very  improper 
to  be  made  to  men  in  our  situation.  You  have  first 
deprived  us  of  our  liberty  on  one  pretence,  which, 
finding  you  are  not  able  to  justify,  you  wave,  and 
require  as  a  condition  of  our  enlargement,  that  we 
should  confess  ourselves  men  of  suspicious  charac- 
ters by  doing  what  ought  not  to  be  expected  from 
innocent  men.  This  kind  of  procedure  is  not  new 
in  history;  for  though  the  great  patriots  of  the  revo- 
lution found  better  expedients  for  the  security  of 
their  government  than  what  arises  from  oaths  of  ab- 
juration, yet  the  annals  both  of  Old  and  New  Eng- 
land are  stained  with  accounts  of  men,  in  circum- 
stances similar  to  our  own,  dragged  before  magis- 
trates on  the  bare  suspicion  of  crimes;  of  whom 
tests,  which  they  conscientiously  scrupled  to  take, 
have  been  afterwards  demanded  as  the  condition  of 
their  enlargement.  But  such  examples  we  should 
hope  would  not  have  found  patrons  among  men 
professing  to  be  reformers  upon  all  the  plans  of  civil 
8* 


90 

and  religious  liberty  adopted  by  the  free  nations  of 
Europe. 

It  is  strange  to  us  that  men  entrusted  with  su- 
preme executive  powers  should  be  so  regardless  of 
the  laws  you  have  so  solemnly  engaged  to  execute, 
as  to  require  us  to  do  more  than  those  very  laws 
enjoin.  By  the  test  act  every  inhabitant  may  take 
the  test  and  enjoy  all  the  rights  of  freemen,  or  de- 
cline it,  and  sul^mit  to  a  deprivation  of  some  of 
them  of  which  are  expressed  in  that  act;  but  no 
power  is  given  to  any  officer  of  justice  whatsoever 
to  tender  it  to  any  person  except  in  particular 
circumstances,  and  as  the  charge  against  us  is 
not  founded  on  a  breach  of  that  law,  it  is  evident 
you  exceeded  your  authority  in  putting  it  to  us. 
But  if,  after  what  is  past,  we  could  be  surprised  at 
any  thing  you  do,  we  should  have  been  astonished 
at  the  rapid  progress  of  your  usurpation  in  assuming 
legislative  powers  to  yourselves  while  the  assembly 
was  sitting  under  the  same  roof.  You  have  over- 
turned the  only  security  the  constitution  has  given 
the  people  against  absolute  despotism,  by  attempt- 
ing to  exercise  the  authority  of  framing  a  resolve 
operating  as  a  law  at  the  same  time,  the  powers  of 
executing  it. 

Your  duty  as  one  branch  of  the  constitution  is 
confined  to  the  executing  the  laws  as  you  find  them, 
and  does  not  extend  to  the  making  new  ones  to  salve 
your  own  irregular  conduct.  You  have  undertaken 
all  this  by  proposing  a  new  test  of  your  own  enact- 
ing, unknovvn  to  the  laws  and  constitution  of  the 
government  which  you  are  to  execute,  unsupported 
by  any  authority  under  which  you  act;  and  this  an 
ex  post  facto  \diW  made  to  criminate  by  a  refusal 
those  who  before  were  innocent.  And  if  we  were, 
in  your  opinion,  such  dangerous  persons  as  you,  un- 
der the  sanction  of  the  Congress  have  endeavoured 


91 

to  represent  us,  and  could  not  be  secured  without 
sending  us  to  so  remote  and  dangerous  a  part  of  the 
country,  beyond  the  limits  of  your  jurisdiction,  how 
will  the  public  be  secured  by  our  taking  either  of 
the  tests  you  have  proposed;  that  men  of  bad  prin- 
ciples will  submit  to  any  tests  to  cover  their  dan- 
gerous and  wicked  purposes  is  evident  to  all  who 
have  been  conversant  in  public  affairs. 

The  great  Lord  Halifax,  who,  in  the  name  of  the 
people  of  England,  presented  the  crown  to  King 
William  and  Queen  Mary  at  the  revolution,  has 
expressed  himself  on  this  subject  in  the  following 
nervous  terms:  "As  there  is  no  real  security  to  any 
state  by  oaths,  so  no  private  person,  much  less 
statesman,  would  ever  order  his  affairs  as  relying  on 
it;  for  no  man  would  ever  sleep  with  open  doors  or 
unlocked-up-treasure,  or  plate,  should  all  the  town 
be  sworn  not  to  rob." 

Another  most  extraordinary  proceeding  we  find 
in  your  Secretary's  letter,  where  he  says  that  you 
asked  and  received  the  advice  of  Congress,  upon  our 
remonstrance, before  you  determined  upon  it.  What! 
shall  unaccused  citizens,  demanding  their  inherent 
rights,  be  delayed  or  refused  a  hearing  until  Con- 
gress can  be  consulted?  A  body  who  have  engaged 
not  to  interfere  in  the  internal  police  of  the  govern- 
ment. Perhaps  you  thought  the  authority  of  a  re- 
commendation from  Congress  would  render  your 
arbitrary  designs  effectual,  and  countenance  you  in 
the  eyes  of  the  people.  We  trust  you  will  be  mis- 
taken, and  that  neither  Congress  nor  the  people  will 
approve  your  measures. 

Having  thus  remarked  on  your  proposal,  protest- 
ing our  innocence,  we  again  repeat  our  pressing  de- 
mand, to  be  informed  of  the  cause  of  our  commit- 
ment, and  to  have  a  hearing  in  the  face  of  our 


92 

country,  before  whom  we  shall   either  stand  ac- 
quitted or  condemned. 

Israel  Pemberton,  William  Drewet  Smith, 

James  Pemberton,  Samuel  Pleasants, 

John  Hunt,  William  Smith,  (broker,) 

Thomas  Wharton,  Charles  Jervis, 

Thomas  Coombe,  Thomas  Pike, 

Edward  Pennington,  Thomas  Gilpin, 

John  Pemberton,  Samuel  R.  Fisher, 

Henry  Drinker,  Thomas  Fisher, 

Phineas  Bond,  Elijah  Brown, 

Thomas  Affleck,  Miers  Fisher, 

Owen  Jones,  Jr.  Charles  Eddy, 

Philadelphia^  September  8,  1777. 
Sir, — The  remonstrance  delivered  by  you  and 
Samuel  Rhoads,  Esq.  to  me,  has  been  read  in  Coun- 
cil, and  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you,  that  the  bu- 
siness to  which  this  remonstrance  relates,  is  referred 
to  Congress. 

I  am,  with  great  respect. 

Your  humble  servant, 

T.  Matlack,  Secretary. 
To  Dr.  Hutchinson.     (Present.) 

Mason's  Lodge^  September  9,  1777,  10  o'clock,  P.  M. 
TO  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  paper  we  received  at 
half  past  four  o^ clock  this  ofternoon,  and  we 
have  since  received  orders  to  prepare  for  our 
banishment  to-morrow. 

IN  COUNCIL. 

Philadelphia,,  September  9,  1777. 
Besotved,  That  James  Pemberton,  Henry  Drink- 
er,  Israel   Pemberton,  John   Pemberton,    Samuel 


93 

Pleasants,  Thomas  Wharton,  Sr.,  Thomas  Fisher, 
(son  of  Joshua,)  Samuel  Fisher,  (Son  of  Joshua,) 
Miers  Fisher,  Elijah  Brown,  John  Hunt,  Phineas 
Bond,  Rev.  Thomas  Coombe,  Charles  Jervis,  Wil- 
liam Drewet  Smith,  Charles  Eddy,  Thomas  Pike, 
Owen  Jones,  Jr.,  Edward  Pennington,  William 
Smith,  Thomas  Gilpin,  and  Thomas  Affleck,  ap- 
prehended by  Council,  as  persons  who  have  uni- 
formly manifested  by  their  general  conduct  and 
conversation,  a  disposition  highly  inimical  to  the 
cause  of  America,  and  now  imprisoned  in  the  Free- 
masons' Lodge  in  this  city,  they  refusing  to  confine 
themselves  to  their  several  dwellings,  and  thereby 
making  the  restraint  of  their  persons  in  another 
manner  necessary;  and  having  refused  to  promise 
to  refrain  from  corresponding  with  the  enemy,  and 
also  declined  giving  any  assurance  of  allegiance  to 
this  state,  as  of  right  they  ought,  do  thereby  re- 
nounce all  the  privileges  of  citizenship;  and  that  it 
appears  they  consider  themselves  as  subjects  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  the  enemy  of  this  and  the 
other  United  States  of  America;  and  that  they  ought 
to  be  proceeded  with  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  persons  of  like  characters,  and  in 
emergencies  equal  to  the  present,  when  the  enemy 
is  at  our  doors,  have,  in  the  other  states,  been  ar- 
rested and  secured  upon  suspicions  arising  from  their 
general  behaviour  and  refusal  to  acknowledge  their 
allegiance  to  the  states,  of  which  they  were  the  pro- 
per subjects;  and  that  such  proceedings  may  be 
abundantly  justified  by  the  conduct  of  the  freest  na- 
tions, and  the  authority  of  the  most  judicious  civi- 
lians.    Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  whose  names  are 
mentioned  above,  be,  without  further  delay,  re- 
moved to  Stanton,  in  Virginia,  there  to  be  treated 
according  to  their  characters  and  stations,  as  far  as 


d4 

may  be  consistent  with  the  securing  of  their  persons. 
Also, 

Resolved,  That  William  Imlay,  said  to  be  a  sub- 
ject of  the  state  of  New  York,  having  behaved  in 
like  manner  as  the  persons  above  mentioned,  and  in 
particular  declined  to  give  assurance  of  allegiance 
to  the  state  of  New  York,  be  removed  and  secured 
with  the  rest. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Nicola,  the  town  major,  se- 
cure the  prisoners  above  named  now  in  the  Masons' 
Lodge,  and  assist  in  removing  them  out  of  the  city. 

Extract  from  the  minutes. 

T.  Matlack,  Secretary. 

As  we  consider  this  to  be  the  highest  act  of  ty- 
ranny that  has  been  exercised  in  any  age  or  country, 
where  the  shadow  of  liberty  was  left,  we  have,  in 
the  following  manner,  entered  our  protest  against 
their  proceedings. 

TO  THE  PRESIDENT  AND  COUNCIL  OP  PENNSYLVANIA. 

The  remonstrance  and  protest  of  the  subscribers, 
sheweth: 

That  your  resolve  of  this  day  was  this  afternoon 
delivered  to  us;  which  is  the  more  unexpected,  as 
last  evening  your  Secretary  informed  us  you  had 
referred  our  business  to  Congress,  to  whom  we  were 
about  further  to  apply. 

In  this  resolve,  contrary  to  the  inherent  rights  of 
mankind,  you  condemn  us  to  banishment  unheard. 

You  determine  matters  concerning  us,  which  we 
could  have  disapproved  had  our  right  to  a  hearing 
been  granted. 

The  charge  against  us  of  refusing  "to  promise  to 
refrain  from  corresponding  with  the  enemy,"  insi- 
nuates that  we  have  already  held  such  correspond- 
ence, which  we  utterly  and  solemnly  deny. 


95 

The  tests  you  proposed  we  were  by  no  law  bound 
to  subscribe;  and  notwithstanding  our  refusing  them 
we  are  still  justly  and  lawfully  entitled  to  all  the 
rights  of  citizenship,  of  which  you  are  attempting 
to  deprive  us. 

We  have  never  been  suffered  to  come  before  you 
to  evince  our  innocence,  and  remove  suspicions 
which  you  have  laboured  to  instil  into  the  minds  of 
others,  and  at  the  same  time  knew  to  be  groundless, 
although  Congress  recommended  it  to  you  to  give 
us  a  hearing,  and  your  President  this  morning  as- 
sured two  of  our  friends  we  should  have  it. 

In  vindication  of  our  characters,  we  who  are  of 
the  people  called  Quakers,  are  free  to  declare,  that, 

Although  at  the  time  many  of  our  forefathers 
were  convinced  of  the  truth  which  we,  their  de- 
scendants now  profess,  great  fluctuations  and  various 
changes  and  turnings  happened  in  government,  and 
they  were  greatly  vilified  and  persecuted  for  a  firm 
and  steady  adherence  to  their  peaceable  and  inoffen- 
sive principles,  yet  they  were  preserved  from  any 
thing  tending  to  promote  insurrections,  conspira- 
cies, or  the  shedding  of  blood;  and  during  the  trou- 
bles which  by  permission  of  Divine  Providence 
have  latterly  prevailed,  we  have  steadily  maintained 
our  religious  principles  in  these  respects,  and  have 
not  held  any  correspondence  with  the  contending 
parties,  as  is  unjustly  insinuated,  but  are  withheld 
and  restrained  from  being  concerned  in  such  mat- 
ters by  that  divine  principle  of  grace  and  truth 
which  we  profess  to  be  our  guide  and  rule  through 
life.  This  is  of  more  force  and  obligation  than  all 
the  tests  and  declarations  devised  by  men. 

And  we,  who  are  of  the  church  of  England,  are 
free  to  declare  to  you  and  to  the  world,  that  we 
never  have  at  any  time  during  the  present  contro- 
versy, either  directly  or  indirectly,  "communicated 
any  intelligence  whatever  to  the  commander  of  the 


96 

British  forces,  or  any  other  person  concerned  in 
public  affairs.'^  And  with  the  same  cheerfulness 
we  would  have  engaged  not  to  hold  any  such  cor- 
respondence in  future,  had  not  the  requisition  been 
coupled  with  ignominious  and  illegal  restrictions, 
subjecting  us  to  become  prisoners  within  the  walls 
of  our  own  dwellings,  and  to  surrender  ourselves 
to  the  President  and  Council  on  demand.  This  the 
clear  consciousness  of  our  own  innocence  absolutely 
forbade  us  to  accede  to. 

Upon  the  whole,  your  proceedings  have  been  so 
arbitrary  that  words  are  wanting  to  express  our 
sense  of  them.  We  do,  therefore,  as  the  last  office 
we  expect  you  will  now  suffer  us  to  perform  for  the 
benefit  of  our  country,  in  behalf  of  ourselves  and 
those  freemen  of  Pennsylvania  who  still  have  any 
regard  for  liberty,  solemnly  remonstrate  and  pro- 
test against  your  whole  conduct  in  this  unreasonable 
excess  of  power  exercised  by  you. 

That  the  evil  and  destructive  spirit  of  pride,  am- 
bition and  arbitrary  power,  with  which  you  have 
been  actuated,  may  cease  and  be  no  more;  and  that 
peace  on  earth  and  good  will  to  men  may  happily 
take  the  place  thereof  in  your  and  all  men's  minds, 
is  the  sincere  desire  of  your  oppressed  and  injured 
fellow  citizens. 

Israel  Pemberton,  Owen  Jones,  Jr. 

John  Hunt,  Thomas  Gilpin, 

James  Pemberton,  Charles  Jervis, 

John  Pemberton,  Phineas  Bond, 

Thomas  Wharton,  Thomas  Affleck, 

Edward  Pennington,  William  Drewet  Smith, 

Thomas  Coombe,  Thomas  Pike, 

Henry  Drinker,  William  Smith,  (broker,) 

Thomas  Fisher,  Elijah  Brown, 

Samuel  Pleasants.  Charles  Eddy, 

Samuel  R.  Fisher,  Miers  Fisher. 


97 

Note.  These  individuals  were  banished  to  Winchester,  in 
Virginia,  in  the  autumn  of  1777,  on  account  of  the  unfounded 
jealousies  of  some  persons  then  in  rule.  During  this  exile,  two 
of  them  died — Thomas  Gilpin  on  3d  mo.  1,  1778,  and  John 
Hunt,  who  was  seized  with  a  mortification  in  one  of  his  legs, 
and  sunk  under  its  amputation  on  3d  mo.  31, 1778. 


To  the  Memories  of  Thomas  Gilpin  and  John 
Hunt,  who  died  exiles  in  Virginia,  \11S. 

The  feeling  bosom  mourns  the  widow's  woe. 
And  shares  your  anguish  in  the  afflictive  blow: 
Nature  and  friendship  with  united  powers. 
Would  taste  the  bitter  cup  to  sweeten  yours; 
But  ah!  this  stroke  too  deep,  and  must  demand 
Superior  strength  to  nature's  feeble  hand; 
And  may  this  strength  sufficient  be  display'd. 
Support  in  suffering,  and  your  weakness  aid; 
Thro'  the  dark  vale  of  woes  its  care  extend. 
The  orphan's  father  and  the  widow's  friend: 
But,  tho'  deprived  of  what  your  soul  held  dear. 
The  kind  companion  and  the  friend  sincere; 
Though  thus  deprived  (whose  aggravated  blow 
Points  the  keen  shaft,  and  swells  the  cup  of  woe,) 
His  name  shall  live  in  undecaying  bloom. 
Beyond  the  dreary  winter  of  the  tomb; 
Beyond  the  oppressor's  power  shall  victor  rise, 
"Who  fell,  to  injured  rights,  a  sacrifice;" 
Stood  for  that  freedom  ancient  patriots  plann'd, 
"The  friends  of  law,  and  fathers  of  the  land." 
Thus  firm,  like  them,  (tho'  sufferings  interposed,) 
He  lived  the  patriot,  and  the  christian  closed. 
And  thou,  dear  friend  of  venerable  name. 
From  friendship  must  the  warm  memorial  claim; 
Whose  pious  labours  with  a  christian  care. 
To  virtue  call'd,  and  traced  the  insidious  snare. 
That  led  the  unwary  traveller's  steps  astray, 
A  kind  director  of  the  well  known  way. 
How  oft  with  holy  zeal  his  spirit  glow'd. 
How  from  his  lips  th'  instructive  precepts  flow'd. 
And  wing'd  the  preacher,  as  he  soar'd  sublime 
Above  the  clouds  that  circle  nature's  clime; 
9 


98 

"Drew  back  the  veil,  the  mystic  truths  display, 
And  on  deep  darkness  shed  the  dawning  day; 
Explor'd  the  lost  amidst  each  dangerous  snare; 
Confirm'd  the  feeble  and  the  mourners  cheer; 
Explained  the  types,  and  from  their  shadows  draw 
The  healing  doctrine  of  Messiah's  law; 
Messiah's  law,  the  christian's  strength  divine, 
The  living  substance  of  the  legal  sign;" 
Till  warm  with  sacred  love  we  view  him  rise, 
An  ardent  claimant  for  his  native  skies; 
Unfold  in  vision  Heaven's  immortal  day, 
And  hail  the  dawn  that  broke  the  bands  of  clay. 
Ah,  favour'd  soul!  'tis  selfish  here  to  mourn. 
Shall  tears  defile  thy  venerable  urn"? 
No,  rather  join  the  chorus  of  the  blest, 
"And  hail  the  pilgrim  to  his  holy  rest," 
Where  all  the  conflicts  of  probation  cease, 
And  painful  labours  close  in  sacred  peace. 
Now  safe  from  each  envenom'd  shaft  of  time. 
No  more  sad  exiles  from  your  native  clime; 
With  God's  acceptance  blest,  you  stand  secure 
From  base  oppression,  and  the  tyrant's  power; 
Enraptur'd  join  your  kindred  race  above, 
In  peaceful  climes  of  liberty  and  love. 
But  why  thus  wrench'd  from  all  the  social  ties. 
Nature's  soft  claims,  and  friendship's"  sympathies; 
Why  left  the  cruel  bondage  to  deplore, 
"And  fall  your  victims  on  an  exiled  shorel" 
So  yours  to  answer  at  Heaven's  awful  bar. 
When  the  swift  witness,  conscience,  shall  appear; 
Where  the  mean  subterfuge  cannot  avail. 
And  all  your  subtle  sophistry  will  fail; 
Where  righteous  retribution  shall  decide. 
And  you  shall  share  the  justice  you  denied. 

Fidelia. 


99 


Mary  Shackleton  to  Sarah  G.  Dillwyn,  wife 
of  George  Dillwyn. 

While  now  fair  London's  turrets  rise. 

With  pomp  majestic  to  thy  view, 
While  joyful  friends  salute  thine  eyes, 

Accept  thy  Mary's  fond  adieu; 

For  thou  will  kindly  condescend. 

Thy  gentle  spirit  well  I  know, 
To  let  thy  Mary  call  thee  friend, 

Nor  will  she  the  lov'd  claim  forego. 

O!  thou,  who  left  thy  native  bowers. 

By  nature  deck'd  profusely  gay. 
Where  suns  of  brighter  beam  than  ours, 

Diffuse  the  golden  flood  of  day; 

Who,  with  thy  virtuous  partner  dear, 
To  distant  lands  did'st  dare  to  move. 

His  dangers  and  distress  to  cheer, 
Fair  pattern  of  connubial  love. 

Oh!  when  th'  allotted  hour  shall  come, 
May  he  who  helps  in  time  of  need. 

Conduct  you  to  your  longing  home. 

And  crown  with  peace  that  blessed  meed. 

Far  distant  then  from  every  scene. 

On  poor  Hibernia's  humble  shore, 
The  vast  Atlantic  rolls  between. 

And  I  must  never  see  thee  more. 

When  on  those  blooming  banks  reclin'd. 
Where  Delaware's  broad  surges  roll. 

Ah!  think  where  Gricuse's  waters  wind, 
Let  absent  friends  engage  thy  souL 

Still  view  that  vale  with  partial  eyes. 

Where  waves  the  academic  shade; 
And  still  that  humble  dwelling  prize. 

Beside  the  quiet  river  laid. 
For  here  are  hearts  with  truth  sincere, 

Thy  social  friendship  fond  to  own, 
The  spark  of  love  is  cherish'd  here, 

Which  floods  of  ocean  cannot  drown. 


100 


Testimony  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Phila- 
delphia for  the  Southern  Districts,  concerning 
Hannah  Fisher. 

Believing  that  a  commemoration  of  the  useful 
lives  and  peaceful  deaths  of  those  who  have  endea- 
voured faithfully  to  follow  the  Redeemer,  in  the 
path  of  humility  and  self-denial,  has  often  been  be- 
neficial to  survivors,  and  tended  to  encourage  the 
youthful  mind  to  yield  to  the  precious  visitations  of 
Divine  love, — we  are  engaged  to  give  forth  a  me- 
morial concerning  our  beloved  friend,  Hannah 
Fisher. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  Rod- 
man, and  was  born  in  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  in 
the  4th  month,  1764.  Her  father  dying  when  she 
was  very  young,  the  care  of  a  large  family  devolved 
upon  her  mother,  to  whose  exemplary  and  judicious 
deportment,  our  dear  friend  has  often  made  grateful 
acknowledgment.  This  maternal  care,  co-operating 
with  the  tendering  impressions  of  Divine  love  with 
which  her  mind  was  early  visited,  became  the 
means  of  her  preservation  in  much  innocence.  In 
the  year  1793,  she  was  married  to  our  friend  Sa- 
muel R.  Fisher,  and  became  a  member  of  this 
Monthly  Meeting,  and  through  the  renewed  and 
humbling  baptisms  of  the  Divine  Spirit,  was  quali- 
fied for  usefulness  therein.  In  the  year  1800,  after 
a  season  of  deep  exercise,  she  came  forth  in  the  mi- 
nistry, and  being  faithful  in  the  little,  experienced 
an  enlargement  in  the  gift,  to  the  com.fort  and  re- 
freshment of  many.  From  the  general  tenor  of  her 
conversation,  and  the  savour  of  her  spirit,  it  was 
evident,  that  having  received  with  meekness  the 


lOL 

engrafted  word,  and  abiding  patiently  under  its  in- 
fluence, she  was  enabled  to  bring  forth  good  fruits: 
hence  flowed,  as  streams  from  their  proper  fountain, 
her  exemplary  deportment;  her  care  in  frequently 
reading  the  Holy  Scriptures  in  the  family;  and  the 
faithful  testimony  which  she  bore,  by  her  consistent 
example,  to  that  plainness  and  simplicity  which  our 
christian  principles  lead  into;  frequently  expressing 
her  thankfulness  that  she  had  been  enabled  to  be 
faithful  herein;  adding,  <'I  have  often  felt  the  cross 
in  it,  but  it  has  been  to  me  a  great  means  of  pre- 
servation/' 

In  her  social  intercourse,  she  evinced  a  mind  train- 
ed in  the  discipline  of  that  charity  which  thinketh  no 
evil,  and  was  ready  to  do  unto  others  as  she  would 
that  others  should  do  unto  her.  Her  sympathizing 
spirit  was  often  drawn  to  visit  the  afflicted,  and  she 
was  qualified  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  the  weary. 
To  the  poor  she  was  a  liberal,  judicious,  and  feeling 
friend.  Thus,  through  obedience  to  the  manifesta- 
tions of  the  spirit  of  truth  in  her  own  mind,  she  was 
enabled  to  do  her  day's  work  in  the  day  time.  Her 
illness  was  short,  but  the  result  was  not  alarming  to 
her;  it  was  evident  she  was  in  readiness.  For  se- 
veral days  previous  to  the  solemn  close,  she  was  at 
various  times  engaged  in  expressing  to  the  different 
members  of  her  family  and  other  friends,  lively  ex- 
hortation, tender  acknowledgment,  and  pertinent 
remarks  on  the  necessity  of  being  prepared  for  the 
final  scene.  To  a  friend  sitting  by  her,  she  said,  "I 
have  desired  that  my  children  may  give  up  in  the 
morning  of  their  day,  and  join  hand  in  hand  with 
the  faithful  labourers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard;"  add- 
ing, **I  feel  nothing  in  my  way.  I  feel  thankful 
in  my  bed  of  sickness,  that  I  have  given  up  much 
in  the  cross  to  my  natural  inclination,  and  that  I 
have  been  favoured  to  keep  the  furniture  of  the 


102 

house  and  my  clothing  plain  and  simple."  At  an- 
other time,  addressing  her  children,  she  said,  "Live 
in  love,  my  dear  children,  may  you  all  live  in  love; 
it  will  sweeten  every  bitter  cup;  there  is  no  comfort 
without  it."  Again,  ^'All  is  done,  all  is  done.  It 
would  be  a  pity  for  me  to  recover,  I  feel  so  re- 
signed, so  sweet,  I  feel  as  if  I  were  already  in  hea- 
v-en.'^  At  another  time  she  said,  her  illness  had 
been  a  time  of  suffering  to  the  body,  but  not  to  the 
mind;  that  all  was  comfortable  there;  adding,  "What 
a  mercy!  that  when  the  poor  body  is  in  suffering, 
the  mind  should  be  preserved  in  such  tranquillity." 
Her  affliction  of  body  appeared  to  be  great;  and  she 
once  expressed,  she  thought  a  part  of  it  might  be  on 
account  of  survivors,  that  they  might  see  it  would 
not  do  to  put  off  the  day's  work  until  the  evening; 
that  it  was  enough  then  to  have  bodily  suffering. 
In  the  night  previous  to  her  close,  she  said,  *'Lord 
I  love  thee;  Lord  thou  art  with  me:  I  love  thee 
because  thou  hast  heard  my  supplication.  Bless  the 
Lord,  0  my  soul!"  About  an  hour  before  she 
ceased  to  breathe,  she  sweetly  expressed,  ^*The 
Lord  is  with  me;  I  bless  his  hand.  I  bless  his 
arm."  Which,  at  that  solemn  season,  clearly  con- 
veyed to  the  minds  of  those  present,  her  resigna- 
tion to  this  allotment  of  unerring  wisdom,  and  her 
thankful  sense  of  the  supporting  Arm  under  it. 
Near  the  close,  she  said,  'Hhe  work  is  finished." 

Thus,  we  believe,  through  the  efficacy  of  that 
grace  to  which  she  bore  impressive  testimony  in 
our  meeting  a  few  days  before  her  removal,  she  has 
been  enabled  to  ''fight  a  good  fight,  to  keep  the 
faith,  and  to  enter  into  that  rest  which  is  prepared 
for  the  righteous." 

She  died  the  12th  of  the  9th  month,  1819,  in  the 
fifty-sixth  year  of  her  age. 


103 


BENJAMIN  RIDGWAY  SMITH. 

Obituary.     Second-month  28th,  1809. 

Died,  yesterday  morning,  after  a  painful  and  lin- 
gering illness,  which  he  bore  with  the  patience  and 
fortitude  of  a  Christian,  Benjamin  R.  Smith,  son 
of  James  Smith,  merchant  of  this  city,  in  the  22nd 
year  of  his  age. 

Few  instances  of  death,  apparently  so  untimely 
and  premature,  as  this  occur.  Just  entering  the  ca- 
reer of  busy  life,  with  as  flattering  prospects,  and 
as  pleasing  hopes  of  success  and  respectability,  as 
any  one  ever  commenced  it  with;  and  having  every 
tie  to  endear  him  to  the  world,  whose  troubles  he 
had  not  yet  felt,  and  whose  disappointments  had 
not  yet  wrung  his  youthful  bosom  with  anguish, 
he  received  the  awful  summons,  which  I  doubt  not 
called  him  to  ^'another  and  a  better  world. ^' 

Nature  seemed  to  have  formed  him  in  one  of  her 
happiest  moods,  not  indeed  for  a  life  of  brilliant  ex- 
ploits, or  extraordinary  achievements,  but  for  a 
course  of  peaceful  serenity  and  rational  felicity, 
under  the  auspices  of  innocence,  and  direction  of 
virtue.  A  residence  of  several  years  in  Europe 
had  enabled  him  to  collect  a  stock  of  information 
uncommon  for  his  years,  and  highly  useful  to  him 
as  a  merchant.  He  read  and  spoke  the  French  and 
German  languages  with  the  greatest  facility,  and  was 
well  acquainted  with  the  commercial  regulations, 
customs,  and  literature  of  those  countries.  But 
nought  did  those  advantages  avail.  In  "the  day 
spring  of  youth,"  the  bright  morning  of  his  life  has 
been  suddenly  clouded,  and  his  sun  has  set  to  rise 
no  more." 


104 


NICHOLAS  WALN. 


As  the  biography  of  some  eminent  men,  in  an- 
cient and  modern  history,  is  little  more  or  less  than 
the  history  of  their  own  times,  their  country  or  na- 
tions;— so  it  would  be  difficult  to  write  the  life  of 
Nicholas  Waln,  without  allusion  to  the  history  of 
the  religious  Society  of  Friends,  during  his  time, 
both  in  Europe  and  America.  And  yet,  though  he 
had  by  birth,  a  right  of  membership  among  Friends, 
he  appears  to  have  kept  as  far  from  them  as  any  mo- 
ral man  could,  both  in  profession  and  practice,  until 
he  was  about  thirty  years  of  age.  The  pursuit  of 
popularity  and  wealth  then  engrossed  his  attention; 
and  that  he  attained  both  in  a  remarkable  degree, 
for  so  young  a  man,  was  the  opinion  and  admiration 
of  his  contemporaries. 

He  was  the  son  of  Nicholas  and  Mary  Wain,  and 
was  born  the  19th  of  9th  month,  1742,  at  Fair  Hill, 
a  country  place  near  Philadelphia,  and  situate  be- 
tween Germantown  and  Frankford.  He  was  de- 
prived of  a  father's  care,  before  he  knew  the  value 
of  it;  or,  when  he  was  about  eight  years  of  age;  but 
was  tenderly  and  affectionately  cared  for  by  his  mo- 
ther, who  brought  him  up,  aided  by  the  guardian- 
ship of  her  brother,  the  late  Jacob  Shoemaker. 

Soon  after  his  father's  decease,  he  was  placed  at 
a  school,  under  the  care  of  Friends;  an  institution 
founded  by  charter,  granted  by  William  Penn.  The 
name  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  is  not  mentioned  in 
the  charter,  the  seminary  being  called  *Hhe  public 
school,"  in  that  instrument; — but,  as  it  was  founded 
by  William  Penn  and  his  contemporaries,  and  as 
the  incorporation  was  granted  to  overseers,  chosen 


105 

or  named  to  him  by  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  Friends 
of  Philadelphia,  with  power  to  elect  their  own  mem- 
bers forever  thereafter,  it  is  emphatically  ^'a  school 
under  the  care  of  Friends,"  though  not  under  the 
direction  of  the  Society,  nor  subject  to  the  control 
of  any  Monthly  or  other  meeting. 

In  this  institution,  under  a  board  of  overseers,  at 
that  time  the  most  eminent  members  of  the  Society, 
Nicholas  Waln  received  his  education;  not  mere- 
ly that  he  passed  through  the  English  departments, 
studied  the  mathematics,  and  afterwards  became  a 
good  Latin  scholar — but  what  had  infinitely  more 
influence  upon  his  after  life,  he  was  educated  in  the 
principles  and  doctrines  of  the  christian  religion,  and 
in  faith  in  Jesus  Christ,  as  a  living  vivifying,  go- 
verning principle  in  the  souls  of  men;  according 
with  the  doctrine  of  the  apostle,  **Examine  your- 
selves whether  ye  be  in  the  faith;  prove  yourselves; 
know  ye  not  your  own  selves,  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
in  you,  except  ye  be  reprobates." 

'<Train  up  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and 
when  he  is  old  he  will  not  depart  from  it."  He  may 
depart  from  it  while  he  \s  young, — while  the  world 
allures,  and  its  vanities  entice;  and  it  is  obvious  that 
many  do  so  depart,  who  never  return; — but  when 
young  people  have  cherished  and  kept  alive  their 
faith  in  God,  thus  inwardly  revealed,  and  have  suf- 
fered him,  through  the  power  of  the  cross,  to  re- 
strain, and,  in  any  degree,  to  govern  their  minds, 
though  they  may  afterwards  appear,  sometimes  to 
be  afar  off, — and  may  be  esteemed  by  their  friends 
as  aliens,  or  even  as  libertines,  —  but  they  are,  ne- 
vertheless, very  often  brought  to  judgment,  when 
no  human  eye  seeth  them;  and  in  the  agony  of  their 
souls,  may  wish  to  renew  the  covenants  of  youth, 
and  regain  the  innocence  of  childhood;  but  being 
unstable,  undecided,  and,  consequently,  weak  in  the 


106 

purpose  of  reform,  the  influence  of  company  may 
carry  them,  again  and  again,  far  and  farther  from 
the  path  of  rectitude  and  peace.  The  history  of  the 
early  life  of  Nicholas  Waln,  as  he  used  to  relate 
it  to  his  friends,  and  sometimes  publicly,  is  like  the 
history  of  many  others  in  these  respects;  but  though 
light,  gay,  and  vain,  it  is  evident  he  never  wholly 
lost  the  early  impressions  of  pure  religion.  He 
would  not  go  with  his  companions  into  many  vices 
and  follies,  incident  to  such  youth, — he  would  pe- 
remptorily refuse; — and  when  they  would  rally  him 
for  his  parsimony,  alleging  that  sordidnesss  and  love 
of  money  was  the  cause  of  his  refusal,  he  was  will- 
ing to  be  accounted  mean  in  this  respect,  rather 
than  confess  to  them,  as  he  ought,  his  regard  for  a 
governing  principle  in  his  own  mind,  that  secretly 
restrained  him  from  gross  evils,  and  mercifully  kept 
him  from  *«many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which 
drown  men  in  destruction  and  perdition.'' 

Immediately  after  leaving  school,  and  while  yet 
a  mere  lad,  he  commenced  the  study  of  the  law,  un- 
der Joseph  Galloway;  devoting  a  part  of  his  time  in 
acquiring  the  German  language.  In  his  close  appli- 
cation to  study,  an  important  habit  of  industry  was 
acquired;  he  was  freed  from  the  train  of  temptations 
and  evils  that  wait  upon  idleness,  and,  in  great  mea- 
sure, freed  from  the  company  and  solicitations  of  idle 
young  men.  About  this  time  also,  he  read  the  His- 
tory of  England,  as  preparatory  to  the  study  of  her 
laws, — and  with  a  view  to  trace  the  gradual  progress 
that  mankind  has  made  in  rational  liberty.  This  is 
commonly  prescribed  to  law-Mudents,  as  a  sound, 
incipient  step.  Nicholas  Waln  read  with  that 
view,  and  may  be  supposed  to  have  attained  his  ob- 
ject,— but  he  also  attained  to  a  knowledge,  which 
he  esteemed  ever  after,  of  far  greater  value, — a  know- 
ledge of  the  unbending,  inflexible,  and  unconquer- 


107 

able  nature  of  pure  religion,  and  the  christian  princi- 
ple. Many  years  afterwards,  or  when  he  had  become 
an  eminent  minister  of  the  gospel,  he  described  Wil- 
liam Penn  and  William  Mead,  at  their  famous  trial 
at  the  Old  Bailey,  as  instruments  raised  up  to  break 
the  yoke  of  oppression  and  tyranny,  and  to  open 
the  eyes  of  people  to  their  natural  rights.  He  al- 
leged that  through  their  means,  and  the  patient  suf- 
ferings of  other  faithful  Friends,  these  objects  have 
been,  in  great  measure,  effected :  he  stated  that  they 
had  suffered  for  us,  for  posterity,  and  the  good  of 
mankind; — that  they  had  laboured,  and  we  have 
"entered  into  their  labours.'^ 

The  broad  ground  of  civil  and  religious  liberty, 
the  equal  and  unalienable  rights  of  men,  secured  to 
the  people  of  Pennsylvania,  by  the  charter  and  le- 
gislative acts  of  William  Penn,  he  always  afterwards 
ascribed  to  the  principles  of  Friends, — or  in  other 
words,  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel;  that  living,  non- 
resisting,  unconquerable  spirit,  that  is  always  victo- 
rious through  suffering.  And,  it  is  very  reasonable 
to  suppose,  his  law  reading  had  made  him  so  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  early  history  of  the  So- 
ciety of  Friends,  that  it  inspired  a  warmth  or  glow 
of  feeling,  bordering  on  enthusiasm,  whenever  he 
spoke  of  William  Penn. 

But  to  return  to  him,  as  a  student.  There  is  no 
evidence  of  his  religious  feelings,  or  secret  convic- 
tions of  truth,  during  this  period  of  his  life,  but  in 
his  own  allusions  to  them,  long  after  he  had  relin- 
quished the  practice  of  the  law.  He  was  naturally 
vivacious,  witty,  and  sarcastic;  he  delighted  in  gay- 
ety  and  merriment,  but  suffered  nothing  to  interfere 
with  his  studies;  and,  while  yet  a  minor,  was  ad- 
mitted to  practice  in  the  courts,  and  it  is  said,  ^'he 
met  with  great  encouragement.^^  There  is  no  doubt 
this  was  the  case;  he  had  talents  and  energy  enough; 


108 

but  good  judges  of  these  first  efforts  at  the  bar,  deem- 
ed them  premature.  ''I  remember,"  says  one,  "stop- 
ping at  the  old  court-house,  corner  of  Second  and 
Market  streets,  and  hearing  him  speak,  in  a  cause 
then  trying.  According  to  my  impression  at  the 
moment,  Mr.  Waln  spoke  with  more  point  and 
fervour  than  gracefulness." 

There  is  a  tradition,  that  on  one  occasion,  he  ap- 
peared at  Chester,  in  the  stead  of  Joseph  Galloway 
his  preceptor,  without  his  knowledge,  and  gained 
his  cause.  This  is  deemed,  at  least,  doubtful;  and 
yet  a  member  of  the  bar,  well  acquainted  with  the 
old  records,  says,  '*!  have  frequently  heard  the  an- 
ecdote respecting  young  Waln  at  the  bar,  previous 
to  his  admission  as  an  attorney,  in  a  case  in  which 
his  teacher,  Galloway,  was  concerned;  and  do  not 
doubt  the  truth  of  it; — though  such  a  circumstance 
could  scarcely  occur  in  these  days." 

Upon  adverting  to  the  records  of  Chester  county, 
it  appears,  he  was  entered,  for  the  first  time,  on  the 
record  of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  in  1763,  in  a 
case,  "February  term,"  in  which  he  was  defend- 
ant;— and  that  "he  was  employed  in  seven  other 
cases  to  the  same  term.  In  the  record  of  the  suits, 
brought  to  the  succeeding  May  term,  his  name  oc- 
curs three  times,  and  a  single  case  was  all  that  he 
had  to  the  August  term."  In  all  this  time  he  was 
under  twenty-one  years  of  age. 

Whatever  might  have  been  the  opinions  of  others 
of  his  abilities  at  this  time,  he  certainly  was  not  sa- 
tisfied himself;  and  he  resolved  further  to  prosecute 
his  studies.  With  this  view,  he  embarked  at  Ches- 
ter, for  Bristol,  Great  Britain,  the  10th  of  10th  mo. 
1763,  a  few  weeks  after  he  had  entered  the  twenty- 
second  year  of  his  age; — and,  upon  his  arrival  in 
England,  proceeded  to  London,  where  he  immured 
himself  in  the  Temple,  and  entered  upon  his  studies 
anew. 


109 

His  early  habit  of  attention  to  the  object  of  pur- 
suit, had  here  also  a  tendency  to  preserve  him  from 
the  idle  pastimes,  diversions,  and  dissipations  of  a 
great  city;  and  the  absence  of  his  old  associates,  in 
whose  company  he  had  at  home  delighted  to  spend 
the  part  of  his  time  allotted  to  relaxation,  in  gayety 
and  frolic, — gave  him  leisure  for  reflection  and  re- 
tirement. He  reviewed  his  past  life, — recurred  to 
early  religious  impressions, — renewed  the  cove- 
nants of  his  youth, — and  seemed  resolved  to  begin 
life  anew.  To  show  the  state  of  his  mind,  while 
living  in  this  comparative  retirement,  the  following 
letter  to  his  aunt  Shoemaker,  widow  of  his  guardian, 
may  suffice. 

London^  20th  of  1st  mo.  1764. 

Dear  Aunt, — I  have  entertained  an  opinion  that 
it  is  my  duty  by  this  opportunity  to  write  to  thee, 
for  whom  I  have  a  very  great  regard.  I  am  sensi- 
ble thou  hast  undergone  a  great  deal  of  affliction, 
and  hast  been  wounded  with  the  most  piercing  sor- 
row,— which  has  rendered  it  highly  necessary  for 
thee  to  sum  up  all  thy  fortitude  and  patience  to  bear 
up  under  them.  There  is  something  implanted 
within  us  by  our  Heavenly  Father,  which  excites 
our  grief  for  the  death  of  our  friends  and  relations, 
and  that  in  proportion  to  the  affection  and  esteem 
we  have  for  them.  This  is  a  natural  principle,  and 
by  no  means  inconsistent  with  Christianity.  But, 
as  the  dispensations  of  Providence  are  always  found- 
ed upon  the  highest  wisdom,  it  is  undoubtedly  our 
duty  to  submit  to  them  with  patience  and  resigna- 
tion, and  to  say,  "Thy  will  be  done,  0  Father," 
without  murmuring.  I  am  confident,  dear  aunt,  it 
is  a  hard  task  for  flesh  and  blood;  but,  nevertheless, 
if  every  thing  is  duly  considered,  as,  first,  that  we 
are  born  to  know  trouble,  that  we  are  placed  here 
in  a  state  of  probation,  and  must  necessarily  expect 
10 


110 

to  meet  with  trials — we  shall  then  plainly  perceive 
that  we  suffer  nothing  more,  than  that  we  fall  heirs 
to,  as  men,  and  of  course,  ought  to  be  satisfied  with 
our  lot.  But,  this  is  not  all.  Let  us  consider  the 
gracious  promise  of  our  Lord,  the  blessed  Redeemer 
of  mankind,  who  says,  "Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that 
are  heavy  laden,  and  labour,  and  I  will  give  you 
rest;"  and  again,  "Blessed  are  they  that  mourn,  for 
they  shall  be  comforted."  These  are  gracious  pro- 
mises, for  which  we  can  never  be  enough  thankful, 
and  which  ought  to  cheer  up  the  drooping  spirits  of 
the  afflicted  Christian;  who,  by  applying  to  the 
great  Physician  of  souls,  will  find  relief  and  comfort 
in  the  most  fiery  trials.  Let  us  then  not  despair, 
but  place  an  implicit  faith  in  Him,  who  is  Truth 
itself,  and  can  never  have  deviated  from  his  blessed 
promise,  but  will  always  be  with  his  children  and 
people. 

I  thank  God,  the  Father  of  all  mercies,  that  he 
has  been  pleased  to  visit  my  poor  soul,  and  convince 
me  of  the  errors  of  my  conduct;  and  I  hope  I  shall 
be  enabled,  by  his  blessed  assistance,  to  experience 
a  redemption  from  the  things  of  this  wicked  world; 
for  really,  the  more  I  see  of  its  vanities,  the  more 
empty  they  appear  to  me,  and  altogether  incapable 
of  affording  any  solid  satisfaction.  Cheer  up,  and 
rejoice,  for  the  time  is  drawing  nigh,  when  everlast- 
ing joy  will  be  assigned  to  those  who  have  fought 
the  good  battle  of  faith,  and  have  worn  the  cross 
with  resignation  and  patience.  Amen. 
I  am,  &c. 

Nicholas  Waln. 

From  other  letters  there  is  evidence  that  his  stay 
in  London  was  a  time  of  religious  impressions, 
though  not  a  season  of  much  religious  improvement. 
It  does  not  appear,  however,  that  he  had  any  idea 


Ill 

of  relinquishing  the  law;  on  the  contrary,  there  is 
reason  to  believe,  that  when  he  looked  towards  the 
institutions  and  laws  of  William  Penn,  he  regarded 
the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  as  little  less  than  a 
Canaan,  in  comparison  with  Great  Britain.  In  his 
ardent  temperament  of  mind,  a  friend  who  knew 
him  well,  supposes,  <nhat  about  this  time  his  bril- 
liant imagination  opened  to  his  view  a  field  of  use- 
fulness, not  merely  religious,  in  which,  like  another 
William  Penn,  he  might  become  a  statesman,  attain 
to  wealth  and  great  honours,  and  benefit  mankind 
extensively."  Whether  this  opinion  be  correct  or 
not,  we  must  leave;  but  when  he  had  passed  through 
his  new  course  of  studies,  and  become  a  member  of 
the  Temple  society,  he  returned  to  Philadelphia, 
after  an  absence  of  little  more  than  a  year,  and  re- 
sumed the  practice  of  the  law. 

The  fluency  with  which  he  spoke  the  German 
language,  his  cheerful,  pleasing,  and  amiable  man- 
ners, together  with  their  confidence  in  his  integrity, 
soon  made  him  a  favourite  with  the  Germans,  and 
opened,  in  addition  to  his  Philadelphia  business,  an 
extensive  and  profitable  practice  in  the  county  courts, 
particularly  at  Lancaster  and  Easton;  and,  during 
a  period  of  nearly  seven  years,  he  seems  to  have 
devoted  every  faculty  of  his  mind  to  his  profession, 
and  apparently  with  a  view  to  make  money. 

A  distinguished  law  character,  having  taken  the 
pains  to  examine  the  records  of  Lancaster,  writes 
thus:  "His  name  first  appears  to  a  suit  brought  in 
August  term,  1765;  and  it  very  frequently  occurs 
after  that,  until  he  declined  practice.  The  only  one 
living  here  (Lancaster)  who  was  a  fellow  practition- 
er with  him,  is  Mr.  George  Ross,  the  son  of  him  who 
signed  the  declaration  of  independence.  He  remem- 
bers Mr.  Waln  well,  and  speaks  of  his  character 
and   standing   at   the    bar,   as   highly   respectable. 


112 

Those  who  generally  attended  with  him  from  the 
city,  were  Alexander  Wilcocks,  Edward  Biddle, 
Richard  (late  judge)  Peters,  and  sometimes  John 
Dickinson.  From  York,  came  James  Smith,  an- 
other signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 
Mr.  Waln  was  more  in  demand  than  any  of  them. 
He  was  remarkably  diligent  and  attentive  to  busi- 
ness, was  of  a  very  cheerful  disposition,  of  social 
manners,  and  spoke  the  German  fluently.  All  this 
rendered  him  very  popular,  and  gave  him  abundance 
of  business.  He  (Mr.  Ross)  mentioned  one  thing, 
that  is,  perhaps,  worth  repeating.  On  some  occa- 
sion Mr.  Ross  acted  with  more  candour  and  libe- 
rality than  was  then  usual  with  attorneys, — and  Mr. 
Waln  told  him  *he  was  not  roguish  enough  for  a 
lawyer.'" 

From  another  letter  the  following  information  is 
derived:  "When  he  first  came  to  the  Chester  coun- 
ty bar,  M^Kean,  Chew,  Galloway,  Ross,  Dickinson, 
Read,  and  Price  were  in  full  practice.  Johnson  also 
had  some  business.  During  his  absence  abroad, 
Tilghman,  Morris,  and  Shippen  appear  to  have  been 
admitted.  From  1765,  to  the  time  of  his  quitting 
the  profession,  his  practice  continually  increased, 
notwithstanding  the  crowded  state  of  the  bar,  and 
the  great  ability  of  his  competitors." 

The  late  Miers  Fisher,  of  Philadelphia,  speaking 
of  Nicholas  Waln,  with  great  veneration  and  re- 
spect, said,  "I  knew  him  well  when  he  was  a  prac- 
tising attorney,  and  after  he  became  a  religious  man, 
and  a  minister,  and  I  can  attest  to  the  sacrifices  he 
made  in  retiring  from  the  bar.  I  was  much  with 
him  in  that  period  of  his  life,  when  he  was  in  the 
receipt  of  large  sums  from  his  profession,  and  when 
he  was  remarkable  for  penuriousness; — and,  I  can 
testify  that  he  afterwards  witnessed  such  a  change 
of  heart,  effected  by  the  influence  of  religion,  as  en* 


113 

abled  him  fully  to  overcome  the  inordinate  love  of 
applause  and  of  money." 

But  whether,  at  this  period  of  his  life,  he  was  in- 
ordinately fond  of  money  or  not,  he  was  in  the  high 
road  of  obtaining  it  in  abundance,  by  a  most  lucra- 
tive and  successful  practice;  as  appears  from  the 
notes  of  one  of  his  most  intimate  and  confidential 
friends;  from  which  the  following  is  extracted: 
"And  to  crown  his  brilliant  career  at  the  bar,  he 
married  Sarah  Richardson,  an  only  child  of  Joseph 
Richardson,  of  Philadelphia,  of  large  fortune; — and 
what  was  infinitely  of  more  value,  possessed  of  every 
endowment  that  could  render  the  married  life  agree- 
able and  happy."  Their  marriage  was  at  Friends' 
meeting-house,  on  Pine  street,  in  Philadelphia,  the 
22nd  of  5th  month,  1771.  That  she  was,  through 
life,  a  true  help-meet  to  him,  he  many  times  bore 
ample  testimony. 

About  this  time,  also,  it  appears  from  the  records 
of  the  courts,  that  his  business,  as  an  attorney,  was 
greatly  increased,  particularly  in  the  country;  but 
the  strong  convictions  in  his  own  mind,  that  he  al- 
ludes to,  in  his  letter  from  London  to  his  aunt  Shoe- 
maker, secretly  followed  him,  and  also  greatly  in- 
creased. His  friend,  Thomas  Austin,  who  resided 
near  Pennepack,  on  the  middle  road  from  Philadel- 
phia to  Newtown,  informed  a  friend  that  Nicholas 
called  at  his  house  on  his  way  to  Newtown,  where 
the  courts  for  Bucks  county  were  then  held,  and  in 
the  course  of  conversation  told  Thomas,  "that  he 
was  engaged  in  an  important  case,  that  was  to  come 
before  the  court,  relative  to  property."  Austin  re- 
quested him  to  stop  at  his  house  on  his  return — 
Nicholas  did  so;  when  Austin  asked  him  how  the 
case  he  had  spoken  of  was  issued?  Nicholas  re- 
plied, "I  did  the  best  I  could  for  my  client,  gained 
the  cause  for  him,  and  thereby  defrauded  an  honest 
IQ* 


114 

man  out  of  his  just  due."  This  account  was  given 
by  Joshua  Comly,  of  Mooreland,  lately  deceased — 
and  he  related  further,  as  from  his  own  knowledge, 
that  ^'Nicholas  Waln  relinquished  the  practice  of 
the  law  at  that  time,  and  would  never  plead  a  cause 
after  the  circumstance  related  by  Austin." 

In  the  course  of  a  year  after  his  marriage,  he  was 
mercifully  favoured  with  a  renewed  visitation.  That 
good  hand  that  had  been  with  him  from  his  child- 
hood,— that  had  led  him  and  fed  him  all  his  life 
long,  now  seemed  to  lay  hold  on  judgment,  and 
bring  all  his  sins  into  remembrance.  He,  by  whom 
'*God  shall  judge  the  secrets  of  men,"  even  Jesus 
Christ,  who,  according  to  the  apostle,  is  in  all  men, 
sat  upon  the  judgment  seat  in  his  soul.  The  book 
was  opened,  and  he  was  judged  out  of  those  things 
that  were  written  in  the  book.  His  whole  life, 
even  every  day  of  his  life,  as  he  long  afterward  used 
to  describe  the  "judgment  day,"  seemed  to  be  ripped 
open.  Every  thing  that  was  covered,  or  past,  was 
revealed; — and,  through  the  power  of  conviction,  he 
experienced  judgment  to  pass  upon  the  transgressing 
nature.  He  had  many  times  consulted  with  flesh 
and  blood,  and  reasoned  himself  from  under  strong 
convictions;  but  now,  through  the  power  of  con- 
straining grace,  he  gave  up  to  the  heavenly  visita- 
tion. He  was  overwhelmed  with  sorrow  and  con- 
trition. He  was  utterly  disqualified  for  attending 
to  business,  or  for  seeing  and  conversing  with  busi- 
ness men.  In  this  unsettled  condition  he  remain- 
ed, until  he  felt  an  impression  of  duty  to  go  to  the 
Youth's  meeting,  held  for  Divine  worship,  on  the 
third  day  of  the  week,  at  the  Market  street  house, 
the  4th  of  2nd  month,  1772. 

In  this  meeting  he  was  constrained  to  kneel,  in 
public  prayer  to  Almighty  God.  It  was  evidently 
an  unexpected  thing  to  the  whole  assembly; — but 


115 

his  prayer,  which  seemed  to  be  altogether  on  his 
own  account,  and  was  delivered  with  great  delibe- 
ration, appeared  to  have  a  wonderful  effect  upon  all 
present; — and  the  effect  upon  the  minds  of  his  ac- 
quaintances, as  they  heard  of  it,  and  indeed  upon 
the  citizens  generally,  (for  he  was  known  to  almost 
every  one,)  was  scarcely  less  humbling  and  remark- 
able. 

Several  attempts  were  made  to  commit  his  prayer 
to  writing  from  memory,  and  many  copies  were 
taken  and  circulated, — and  some  of  them  printed. 
From  a  careful  examination  of  several  of  them,  they 
are  found  slightly  to  disagree.  The  following,  how- 
ever, is  believed  to  be  substantially  correct,  and  is 
inserted  as  descriptive  of  the  state  of  his  mind  at 
the  time.* 

"Oh  Lord  God!  arise,  and  let  thine  enemies  be 
scattered!  Baptise  me, — dip  me, — yet  deeper  in 
Jordan.     Wash  me  in  the  laver  of  regeneration. 

<'Thou  hast  done  much  for  me,  and  hast  a  right 
to  expect  much; — therefore,  in  the  presence  of  this 
congregation,  I  resign  myself  and  all  that  I  have,  to 
thee,  Oh  Lord! — it  is  thine:  and  I  pray  thee,  Oh 
Lord!  to  give  me  grace  to  enable  me  to  continue 
firm  in  this  resolution. 

'^Wherever  thou  leadest  me,  Oh  Lord!  I  will  fol- 
low thee;  if  through  persecution,  or  even  to  mar- 
tyrdom. If  my  life  is  required,  I  will  freely  sacri- 
fice it.  Now  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth, 
and  the  mountains  of  difficulty  are  removed.  Hal- 
lelujah ! 

*'Teach  me  to  despise  the  shame,  and  the  opinions 

*  I  have  frequently  heard  this  prayer  spoken  of  as  a  memora- 
ble, striking  circumstance,  connected  with  the  change  produced 
in  this  respected  friend  and  relative,  with  whom  and  my  dear 
parents  there  was  an  intimacy,  friendship  and  attachment,  which 
continued  whilst  they  were  sojourners  here.  My  grandfather, 
W.  Logan,  I  find,  notices  it  in  a  letter.  H.  L;  S. 


116 

of  the  people  of  the  world.  Thou  knowest,  Oh 
Lord !  my  deep  baptisms.  I  acknowledge  my  mani- 
fold sins  and  transgressions.  I  know  my  unwor- 
thiness  of  the  many  favours  I  have  received;  and  I 
thank  thee,  Oh  Father!  that  thou  hast  hid  thy  mys- 
teries from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  revealed  them 
to  babes  and  sucklings.     Amen.'^ 

When  the  meeting  ended,  he  hastily  returned 
home;  where,  being  constitutionally  of  a  nervous 
temperament,  he  became  quite  ill.  For  several 
weeks  he  was  confined  to  the  house,  except  going 
put  to  meetings  as  they  came  in  course;  which, 
though  very  feeble,  he  generally  attended,  and  his 
solid  reverential  deportment  therein  was  remark- 
able. 

The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  William 
Logan,  of  Philadelphia,  to  Samuel  Clarke,  of  Lon- 
don, has  relation  to  this  period. 

Philadelphia,  Sd  mo.  {March)  2nd,  1772. 

*'It  may  be  new  to  thee,  perhaps,  to  be  inform- 
ed, that  thy  friend,  my  relation,  Nicholas  Waln, 
has,  from  being  almost  at  the  head  of  the  law  with 
us,  in  high  esteem  and  great  practice,  from  a  very 
sudden  and  unexpected  change,  and  under  a  close 
exercising  visitation  from  an  Almighty  power,  left 
the  calling,  and  is  likely  to  become  a  public  Friend. 
He  has  yet  appeared  but  once,  and  that  in  prayer, 
in  a  large  meeting  for  worship, — when  he  stepped 
from  the  middle  of  the  meeting,  when  full  gathered, 
into  the  gallery,  kneeled  down,  and  after  remaining 
some  minutes  in  silence,  he  began  to  address  the 
Almighty;  and  at  considerable  distance  of  time  be- 
tween each  expression,  though  well  connected,  he 
was  favoured,  though  under  great  agitation,  to  go 
through,  and  ended  to  satisfaction.  This  happened 
about  three  weeks  past;  since  which,  he  has  closely 


117 

attended  all  our  meetings  (and  no  courts);  has  been 
quite  silent,  but  very  solid  and  steady  in  his  whole 
conduct.  How  it  may  terminate,  it  is  as  yet  impos- 
sible to  form  any  judgment.  If  he  is  rightly  called 
into  the  Lord's  service,  I  make  no  doubt  of  his  be- 
ing as  serviceable  in  the  gallery,  and  in  the  society, 
as  at  the  bar." 

For  several  weeks,  he  appeared  to  take  no  inte- 
rest nor  concern  in  any  thing  but  the  state  of  his 
own  mind,  and  his  new  views  and  feelings.  But 
when  his  health  and  strength  were  so  far  recovered, 
as  to  admit  of  attending  to  business,  his  first  act  was, 
deliberately  to  disengage  himself  from  the  care  and 
instruction  of  several  law-students, — retaining  one 
only  (the  late  William  Lewis),  that  he  might  have 
his  assistance  in  closing  his  extensive  business.  But 
this,  with  the  attending  memorable  circumstances, 
can,  perhaps,  in  no  way  be  better  related,  than  by 
inserting  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from 
Frances,  widow  of  the  abovenamed  Wm.  Lewis. 

"The  worthy  Mr.  Waln,  was  always  considered 
by  my  deceased  husband,  as  one  of  his  earliest  and 
most  sincere  friends, — for  whose  memory  he  ever 
retained  the  most  exalted  respect,  arising  from  his 
great  kindness.  He  retained  him  with  him,  to  finish 
all  the  business  which  he  was  unavoidably  required 
to  have  ended  in  his  own  name,  at  the  time  the  pious 
change  took  place  in  his  mind,  that  led  him  to  leave 
the  bar,  although  he  was  the  youngest  and  last  stu- 
dent, amongst  a  number  of  young  gentlemen  who 
were  at  tfie  same  time  in  his  office;  letting  them 
know  that  a  change  in  his  sentiments,  with  regard 
to  his  professional  pursuits,  obliged  him  to  decline 
their  finishing  their  studies  with  him.  And,  at  the 
same  time,  he  returned  to  each  person,  as  an  honest 
and  just  man,  the  difierent  sums  of  money  he  had 
received  from  them  as  their  law  preceptor." 


118 

Another  letter  from  a  friend  of  Nicholas  Walk, 
who  knew  all  the  parties  and  the  circumstances  he 
describes,  after  speaking  of  his  illness  as  above,  says, 
'*When  he  recovered,  he  relinquished  the  practice 
of  the  law,  and  returned  fees  that  he  had  received. 
When  the  business  had  not  been  finished,  Mr.  Lewis, 
one  of  his  students,  was  sent  to  the  county  courts  in 
which  he  had  practiced,  with  clients'  papers  and 
money,  for  this  purpose.'' 

The  letter  also  from  Lancaster,  Pennsylvania, 
from  which  an  extract  has  already  been  given,  on 
this  subject  further  states,  '^Mr.  Ross  well  recol- 
lects the  circumstance  of  his  (Nicholas  Waln's,) 
sending  a  person  to  Lancaster  with  the  papers  of  his 
clients,  and  the  fees  he  had  received,  in  cases  not 
settled  or  decided." 

What  becomes  now  of  tlie  charge  of  sordidness, 
or  money-loving,  which  his  industry  in  his  profes- 
sion, and  his  moderation  and  temperance,  had  fixed 
upon  him  among  his  young  associates?  Those  that 
knew  him  best,  were  exceedingly  surprised,  and 
wholly  unable  to  account  for  the  sudden  and  won- 
derful change,  without  ascribing  it  to  the  power  of 
religion.  A  member  of  the  Philadelphia  bar,  in  a 
letter  to  his  friend,  concludes  his  account  of  the  event 
in  the  following  words:  "In  the  youthful  prime  of 
life,  surrounded  by  affluence  and  gayety,  he  relin- 
quished, seemingly,  his  existence  in  the  world, — ex- 
changed a  civil  for  a  religious  life,  and  has  become, 
really,  as  well  as  nominally,  a  distinguished  mem- 
ber of  the  Society  of  Friends.  Had  he  continued  at 
the  bar,  he  might,  probably,  in  the  course  of  events, 
have  reached  the  first  honours  of  his  country.  He 
should  not,  however,  without  those  honours,  be  re- 
garded as  much  the  less  a  patriot." 

For  several  years,  he  led  a  very  retired  life,  most- 
ly at  home,  and  diligently  attended  meetings,  as 


119 

they  came  in  course; — and,  during  this  period  of 
his  religious  childhood,  his  appearances,  as  a  minis- 
ter, were  seldom,  and  his  sermons  very  short  and 
weighty. 

As  a  companion  to  James  Thornton,  in  the  5th 
and  6th  months,  1774,  he  visited  some  meetings  in 
Philadelphia,  Chester,  Lancaster,  and  York  coun- 
ties. And  afterwards,  meeting  with  John  Church- 
man at  a  Quarterly  Meeting,  held  at  Cecil,  in  Ma- 
ryland, he  accompanied  him  to  some  meetings  in 
Delaware,  in  the  11th  and  12th  months  of  the  same 
year.  But  for  several  years,  he  was  mostly  at  home 
or  near  home,  and  grew  in  his  gift,  and  in  religious 
usefulness.  He  attended  the  Yearly  Meeting,  held 
at  Newport  for  New  England, — and  also  New  York 
and  Baltimore  Yearly  Meetings;  and  the  two  latter, 
many  times  in  the  course  of  his  useful  life;  but  it 
was  at  home,  and  near  home,  in  the  Youth's  meet- 
ings, held  quarterly,  and  in  those  large  general 
meetings,  that,  in  those  days,  were  held  circular, 
once  a  year,  at  suitable  places  through  the  country, 
in  which  his  service  as  a  minister  of  the  gospel  was 
best  known.  He  seldom  made  general  visits,  never 
apprehending  it  was  right  for  him  to  remain  from 
home,  and  away  from  his  home  friends,  long  at  a 
time.  He  used  to  say,  it  was  ^'better  to  go  again, 
twice  or  thrice,  than  overstay  one's  time; — for  then 
we  are  liable  to  become  bewildered,  and  not  know 
when  to  return.'' 

In  the  years  1783,  4  and  5,  he  visited  most  of  the 
meetings  in  England,  to  his  own,  and  greatly  to  the 
satisfaction  of  Friends.  He  embarked  on  this  jour- 
ney the  5th  of  6th  month,  1783,  and  returned  home 
the  5th  of  9th  month,  1785;  being  absent  tvvo  years 
and  three  months.  John  Townsend,  John  Storer, 
and  Thomas  Colley,  on  a  religious  visit  to  Friends 
in  America,  came  over  sea  with  him  on  his  return. 


120 

Ten  years  afterwards,  accompanied  by  David  Ba- 
con, of  Philadelphia,  an  elder,  he  visited  Friends  in 
Ireland,  and  thence,  passing  through  some  parts  of 
England,  again  returned  home  in  the  10th  month, 
1796,  after  an  absence  of  one  year  and  four  months. 

As  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  he  would  be  described, 
or  classed,  very  differently,  at  different  periods  of 
his  life.  From  about  the  year  1780,  until  some  time 
after  his  return  from  his  second  religious  visit  in 
Great  Britain,  (1796,)  he  was  a  great  preacher,  very 
popular  among  Friends,  and  greatly  admired  and 
followed  by  those  who  were  not  Friends.  From 
about  1796  to  1S13,  when  he  died,  his  preaching 
was  mostly  of  a  different  character;  his  communica- 
tions being  generally  in  few  words,  but  weighty, 
and  adapted  to  particular  states,  rather  than  doctri- 
nal. A  man  of  observation  and  good  judgment,  who 
knew  him  intimately  all  his  life,  in  a  letter  to  his 
friend,  writes  thus:  "As  a  public  speaker  among 
Friends,  his  eminent  talents  are  well  known.  His 
discourses  were  liberal,  practical,  and  comprehen- 
sive; and,  I  believe,  much  admired  by  all  classes." 
A  more  correct  description  of  him  as  a  preacher  at 
home,  and  at  all  times,  could  not  be  given. 

He  bore  an  upright  and  faithful  testimony  against 
an  hireling  ministry, — and  his  preaching  was  so 
searching,  that  on  this,  and  other  subjects,  it  was 
not  unusual  for  people  to  call  on  him,  to  inquire 
whether  he  had  allusion  to  them.  "Put  me,  I  pray 
thee,  into  the  priest's  office,  that  I  may  eat  a  piece 
of  bread."  On  this  text  he  preached  a  memorable 
sermon  at  the  Market  street  house,  in  Philadelphia, 
when  several  young  ministers,  (Friends,)  were  so 
touched  that  they  waited  on  Nicholas  to  inquire  if 
he  had  allusion  to  them.,  or  any  of  them?  He  satis- 
fied them  that  he  had  not,  but,  on  the  contrary,  they 
had  his  near  sympathy  and  unity.     Not  long  after- 


121 

wards  it  became  known,  that  a  stranger,  a  young 
student  of  divinity  (so  called)  was  present,  who,  be- 
ing convinced  by  what  he  heard,  relinquished  his 
prospect  of  preaching,  and  returned  home. 

In  a  large  public  meeting  in  London,  he  arose 
with  these  words:  "The  lawyers,  the  priests,  and 
the  doctors,  these  are  the  deceivers  of  men." 

At  a  Youth's  meeting,  held  at  Abington,  the  day 
succeeding  one  of  their  Quarterly  meetings,  James 
Simpson  having  first  appeared  in  a  short,  lively  tes- 
timony, Nicholas  rose,  and  preached  a  most  power- 
ful and  impressive  sermon; — standing  about  an  hour, 
and  then  kneeled  in  supplication.  The  whole  as- 
sembly seemed  to  be  baptized  together,  and  so  co- 
vered with  solemnity,  that  when  Friends  shook 
hands  to  break  up  the  meeting,  no  one  would  rise! 
After  a  pause,  Nicholas  said,  "Under  the  solemn 
covering  we  are  favoured  with,  perhaps  Friends  had 
better  separate;"  when  a  few  young  men  near  the 
door  rose  upon  their  feet; — but,  observing  the  meet- 
ing had  not  broken  up,  they  again  took  their  seats, 
and  the  assembly  continued  to  sit  in  silence  some 
time  longer.  Richard  Jordan  then  rose  and  said 
aloud,  "Hosanna!  blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord."  He  said  a  few  sentences  more 
to  define  the  blessedness  of  such  seasons  of  favour; 
after  which  Friends  again  taking  one  another  by  the 
hand,  the  meeting  ended; — and  a  friend  who  was 
present  and  preserved  this  account,  remarked,  that 
<^it  seemed  to  him  no  one  wished  to  enter  into  con- 
versation w^ith  another." 

Many  such  descriptions  of  his  meetings  might  be 
given: — to  those  that  remember  him  as  a  preacher 
they  are  not  necessary — a  memorial  of  him  lives  in 
their  remembrance — and  yet,  as  the  following  ex- 
tract from  a  friend's  letter,  has  relation  to  Philadel- 
phia, and  is  in  itself  a  memorial  of  the  evening  meet- 
11 


122 

ings,  formerly  held  in  the  Market  street  house, it  will 
be  acceptable  to  every  one.  After  announcing  the 
time  of  Nicholas  Waln's  decease,  he  says,  "His 
ministry  was  so  remarkable  and  profound,  that  I 
yet  remember  with  peculiar  satisfaction  the  savour 
of  many  communications  at  the  evening  meetings, 
at  the  Market  street  house,  which  appeared  to  bap- 
tize those  favoured  congregations  in  the  living 
streams  of  consolation." 

Perhaps  few  meetings  held  by  Friends  were  more 
remarkable,  or  more  generally  useful,  than  those 
evening  meetings.  They  were  always  large,  often 
attended  by  foreigners,  and  strangers  from  every 
part  of  the  Union,  particularly  while  congress  held 
their  sessions  in  Philadelphia.  And  here,  Nicholas 
Waln,  and  other  eminent  ministers  of  his  day,  were 
often  lead  to  preach  the  gospel,  in  the  demonstration 
of  the  spirit  and  with  power; — opening  with  clear- 
ness the  primary  and  fundamental  ground  of  the 
faith  and  doctrines  of  the  Christian  religion,  as  held 
by  the  Society  of  Friends, — showing  that  they  are 
in  accordance  with  the  scriptures,  and  emanate  im- 
mediately from  Christ  himself,  the  great  minister  of 
the  sanctuary,  and  the  teacher  sent  from  God  into 
the  hearts  of  all  men; — that  faith  in  him,  and  obe- 
dience to  him,  makes  men  whole; — that  he  cleanses, 
by  his  baptism  of  fire  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  from 
every  defilement  of  flesh  and  spirit,  washes  in  the 
laver  of  regeneration,  and  makes  clean  and  white 
the  souls  of  them  that  believe  in  him — not  tradition- 
ally and  historically,  but  practically  in  his  living,  in- 
ward, spiritual  appearance;  and,  therefore,  **he  is 
the  Saviour  of  all  men  who  believe;"  saving  them 
from  the  guilt  and  consequence  of  sin,  and  making 
them  meet  for  an  entrance  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven. 
In  those  days,  we  heard  little  of  the  charge  of  in- 


123 

fidelity  and  deism,  as  malignantly  urged  against 
Friends,  in  the  beginning,  by  hireling  priests,  and 
ministers  of  the  letter.  The  people  would  not  hear 
it; — they  could  not  bear  it;  as  they  heard  and  felt, 
that  no  people  on  earth  could  more  firmly  and  un- 
equivocally believe  in  Jesus  Christ,  as  their  alone 
Almighty  Saviour,  than  the  Society  of  Friends!  The 
people,  again,  would  not  listen  to  the  charge,  that 
Friends  denied  the  divinity  of  Christ, — for  they 
heard  and  they  understood  their  doctrine  and  testi- 
mony, that  he  is  God;  that  is,  that  the  '^gospel  spi- 
rit," or  "the  spirit  of  Truth,''  Friends  preach  as 
the  universal  and  Almighty  Saviour,  is  one  forever 
with  the  spirit  of  God,  according  with  the. testimony 
of  Jesus  Christ,  '*I  and  my  Father  are  one." 

But,  though  so  popular  as  a  minister,  Nicholas 
Waln  was  humble  as  a  little  child.  Oliver  Paxson, 
speaking  of  him,  expressed  his  opinion  in  the  fol- 
lowing words:  ^^As  a  great  man,  as  a  wise  man,  as 
a  learned  man,  and  as  a  rich  man,  I  know  none 
possessed  of  as  much  childlike  humility  and  simpli- 
city, as  Nicholas  Waln. ''  Great  he  certainly  was, 
in  many  respects; — he  was  great  as  a  disciplinarian, 
and  his  "childlike  humility  and  simplicity"  made 
him  such. 

In  this  character,  his  example  and  influence  could 
only  be  known  in  the  society;  for  all  their  meetings 
of  discipline  are  held  select.  The  following  ex- 
tracts from  the  letters  of  several  Friends,  express 
the  estimation  in  which  he  was  held,  and  particular- 
ly as  a  disciplinarian. 

"In  reference  to  our  dear  deceased  friend,  Nicho- 
las Waln,  I  feel  entirely  prepared  to  agree  with 
thee  in  the  opinion  that  he  was  *good  and  great.' 
Although  singular,  he  was  one  who  had  submitted, 
in  an  extraordinary  degree,  to  the  cross  of  Christ; 
and,  as  a  consequence,  I  believe,  had  fewer  faults, 


124 

and  more  virtues,  than  most  of  us;  and  as  such  an 
one,  I  always  highly  appreciated  his  character.  I 
can  well  remember  some  of  his  powerful  sermons, 
replete  with  gospel  truths,  and  delivered  in  strains 
of  the  most  persuasive  eloquence,  and  christian  fer- 
vour; and  which  made  impressions  of  the  best  and 
most  edifying  kind.  I  retain  also  pleasing  recollec- 
tions of  his  example,  in  meetings  of  business,  as  a 
firm  supporter  of  the  salutary  rules  of  the  discip- 
line,— also  as  a  consistent  member,  whose  conduct 
in  those  meetings  furnished  indubitable  evidence  of 
a  benevolent  heart,  accompanied  by  humility  and 
condescension." 

"Although  he  was  a  man  of  no  ordinary  talents, 
and  had  great  influence  in  society,  he  was  remark- 
able for  condescension,  preferring  the  unity  of  his 
friends,  to  carrying  any  measure,  however  desira* 
ble." 

<<He  was  an  original,  being  no  man's  copy,  and 
remarkable  for  independence  of  mind.  He  feared 
no  one,  in  doing  what  he  believed  to  be  his  duty, 
and  sought  not  the  applause  of  men.  Faithful  friends, 
and  even  children,  loved  him,  but  hypocrites  feared 
him.  He  possessed  much  of  this  world's  goods,  but 
was  abstemious,  and  lived  a  life  of  self-denial." 

In  the  preparative,  Monthly,  and  Quarterly  Meet- 
ings, his  ^'condescension"  was  indeed  remarkable: 
he  seemed  to  keep  on  the  back  ground,  giving  eve- 
ry member,  even  the  least,  full  opportunity  to  speak; 
and,  as  correct  judgment  was  arrived  at,  he  seemed 
rather  to  follow  than  to  make  any  feel  that  he  led 
them;  and  thus  his  fellow  members  had  opportunity 
allowed,  to  exercise  their  own  gifts,  individually. 

In  Yearly  Meetings,  and  in  the  Meeting  for  Suf- 
ferings, though  still  remarkable  for  condescension, 
he  was  more  prompt  and  active.  It  was  in  these 
superior  meetings,  more  particularly,  that  superfi- 


125 

cial  or  disorderly  members  feared  him.  He  loved 
simplicity, — he  loved  modesty  and  innocent  bold- 
ness, in  Friends  who  were  active  in  meetings  for 
discipline; — but  every  thing  like  affected  sanctity, 
or  an  attempt  to  make  fine  speeches,  he  would  put 
down,  and  sometimes  by  irony  the  most  cutting  and 
severe,  in  a  manner  altogether  peculiar  to  himself, 
and  which  no  one  would  attempt  to  imitate.  If  it 
could  not  always  be  said  of  him,  as  William  Penn 
said  of  George  Fox,  that  "he  was  a  discerner  of 
other  men's  spirits,  and  master  of  his  own;"  it  was, 
nevertheless,  most  true  of  him,  at  times.  But  as  his 
natural  vivacity  and  pungent  wit  remained  with  him 
to  the  last,  his  own  spirit  might,  on  some  occasions, 
have  got  the  dominion  over  him  through  them — but 
it  was  only  momentary,  for  his  natural  disposition 
was,  in  a  wonderful  manner,  subjected  to  the  go- 
vernment of  Truth, — and  therefore  it  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  conceive  an  instance,  wherein  vivacity  and 
wit  were  so  little  out  of  place,  and  so  consistent  with 
a  religious  character.  But  if,  on  account  of  this  ex- 
ception, he  was  not  always,  and  at  all  times,  master 
of  his  own  spirit,  he  had  a  remarkable  faculty,  or 
gift,  in  discerning  that  of  other  men;  and  hence  it 
was  that  hypocrites  feared  him; — aspiring  spirits 
feared  him; — and  all  who  were  enemies  of  the  cross 
of  Christ  in  themselves,  but  great  advocates  for  it  in 
other  men,  also  feared  him. 

Whenever  a  forward,  unsanctified  spirit,  was  ap- 
parent in  an}^,  through  creaturely  activity,  or  zeal 
without  knowledge,  in  meetings  for  discipline,  he 
would  withstand  such  an  one  to  the  face,  and  in  the 
face  of  the  meeting;  because  they  were  to  be  blamed, 
and  not  tolerated — esteeming  all  such,  as  meddlers 
and  busy-bodies.  And  hence,  at  one  Yearly  Meet- 
ing in  particular,  it  was  a  time  of  close  exercise  and 
suffering  to  him,  throughout,  occasioned  mostly  by 
11* 


126 

strangers,  from  other  parts:  he  thought  their  minis- 
try was  superficial, — that  they  run  into  the  expres- 
sion of  many  words,  without  life  and  power,  in- 
stead of  keeping  in  their  gifts,  or,  as  he  used  to 
express  it,  *'in  the  cool,  deliberate  life  of  the  prin- 
ciple"— but  truth  seemed  to  be  over  all,  at  the  last, 
and  the  meeting  was  favoured  to  end  well. 

But  a  new  trial  awaited  his  sensitive  and  exer- 
cised mind  from  another  quarter.  As  friends  were 
taking  one  another  by  the  hand,  to  separate  until 
another  year,  a  Friend,  who  was  an  elder  and  over- 
seer, said  to  Nicholas,  **Thou  hadst  better  now  go 
out  of  town,  to  thy  country  place  !^' — meaning,  as 
he  afterwards  explained,  no  more  than  to  recom- 
mend the  country  as  a  favourable  place  for  relaxa- 
tion and  rest,  which  he  so  much  needed.  But,  he  had 
made  a  most  unhappy  choice  of  time  and  place, — 
he  spoke  to  him  under  the  observation  of  many  other 
friends, — and  his  manner  appeared  to  be  dictatorial, 
ungracious,  and  unfeeling,  and  seemed  to  mean  more 
than  was  expressed; — implying  censure,  if  not  re- 
proof, for  his  steady  and  firm  opposition  to  those 
"aspiring  spirits.^' 

Nicholas  made  no  reply, — seemed  scarcely  to 
notice  or  hear  what  was  said,  and  presently  went 
home;  but  in  the  afternoon  he  called  on  the  Friend 
for  an  explanation. 

When  he  entered  the  house  he  found  himself, 
unexpectedly,  in  the  midst  of  a  large  company  of 
Friends.  He  looked  around  the  circle,  as  he  stood 
at  the  parlour  door,  and  said  aloud,  "What!  what! 
what!  What  does  all  this  mean?"  The  Friend  ex- 
plained.    The}'^  are  the  overseers  of  our  monthly 

meeting.     J.  H- ,  having  a  complaint  of  debt 

against  J.  W. ,  who  has  removed  from  the  city, 

J.  H has  objected  to  his  having  a  certificate  of 

membership  until  the  debt  is  paid;  and  as  J.  W 


127 

is  now  in  the  city  attending  the  Yearly  Meeting,  the 
overseers  have  taken  this  opportunity  to  have  the 
parties  together. 

"Well/'  said  Nicholas,  *<If  that  is  all,  you  may 

go.     H ,  call  at  my  office  to-morrow  morning, 

at  nine  o'clock,  and  I  will  give  thee  thy  money. — 
Now  you  may  go, — you  may  all  go;" — waving  his 
hand  towards  the  door,  and  immediately  the  room 
was  cleared. 

A  chair  having  been  placed  for  Nicholas,  and 
he  kindly  invited  to  be  seated,  the  parties  were  now 
alone;  as  they  ought  to  have  been,  when  the  admo- 
nition was  given  in  the  morning.  A  profound  si- 
lence continued  for  some  time; — when  Nicholas, 
changing  his  position  in  his  chair,  looked  steadfastly 
at  the  Friend  for  some  time,  and  then  said,  with 
great  deliberation  and  emphasis,  "Thou  art  a  young 
man!"  '^I  know  it,  Nicholas,"  said  the  Friend. 
"I  know  it: — and  I  always  esteemed  thee  as  a  fa- 
ther. I  had  no  intention  to  wound  thy  feelings,  by 
what  I  said  to  thee  this  morning,  after  meeting; — 
or  to  express  any  censure  or  disapprobation; — far 
from  it — and  if  I  have  hurt  thee,  I  am  sorry  for  it." 
Another  interval  of  silence  ensued,  when  Nicholas 
arose,  kindly  took  leave,  and  returned  home. 

Thus,  by  "dwelling  in  love,  and  keeping  low  in 
the  feeling  state,"  which  was  Nicholas  Waln's 
continual  recommendation  to  all  his  friends,  in  cases 
of  trial  or  difficulty,  the  elder  could  acknowledge 
his  fault,  and  Nicholas  could  forgive  it;  and  a  deep 
wound  that  had  been  given  unnecessarily,  and  un- 
deservedly, was  healed. 

This  is  the  true  ground  of  reconciliation  upon 
christian  principles,  according  with  the  discipline 
and  practice  of  Friends; — and  as  long  as  they  keep 
to  gospel  order  herein,  "dwelling  in  love,  and  keep- 
ing low  in  the  feeling  state,''  unity  can  be  maintain- 


128 

ed;  for  no  case  can  arise  that  is  too  hard,  or  too  diffi- 
cult for  the  members  of  the  church  of  Christ.  "No- 
thing is  impossible  unto  them."  They  can  cast  out 
devils,  even  legions  of  devils, — they  can  cure  all 
manner  of  diseases,  even  the  most  inveterate;  they 
can  take  up  serpents,  wherever  they  make  their  ap- 
pearance, and  if  they  drink  any  deadly  thing,  it 
shall  not  hurt  them. 

But  the  reverse  of  all  this  is  most  true,  as  it  re- 
lates to  them  who  lose  the  christian  spirit,  and  judge 
and  act  as  mere  men: — they  can  no  longer  '*keep 
low"  in  their  condition;  it  is  impossible  unto  them; 
and  hence  they  become  wise  and  lifted  up; — strong 
and  unrelenting,  and  they  always  demand  the  utter- 
most farthing; — and  with  good  reason,  as  they  be- 
lieve:— having  justice  on  their  side,  as  they  imagine, 
they  take  an  offending  brother  by  the  throat,  not 
knowing  or  regarding  it,  that  they  have  a  Master  in 
heaven !  "If  ye  forgive  not  men  their  trespasses, 
neither  will  your  Father  forgive  your  trespasses." 

He  had  a  most  exalted  idea  of  the  unity  and  har- 
mony of  religious  society,  as  inseparable  from  its 
strength, — and  considered  it  as  an  evidence  of  Di- 
vine approbation.  From  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in 
the  bond  of  peace,  the  church,  according  to  his  doc- 
trine, derived  all  its  authority  and  power,  which  he 
regarded  as  the  power  of  God: — and  with  this  un- 
derstanding, he  would  sometimes  preach  the  scrip- 
ture doctrine  with  awful  authority;  *  ^Whatsoever 
ye  shall  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven; — 
and  whatsoever  ye  shall  loose  on  earth,  shall  be 
loosed  in  heaven;"  producing  conviction  on  the 
minds  of  the  auditory,  that  was  absolutely  irresist- 
ible. 

In  all  cases,  where  this  unity  was  attained  and 
defined,  he  considered  himself  bound  by  it,  what- 
ever his  previous  views  and  apprehensions  might 


129 

have  been.  And  whenever  disunity,  or  opposition 
to  it,  manifested  itself  in  any,  he  considered  them 
on  dangerous  ground.  Those  that  remember  Nicho- 
las Waln,  in  meetings  for  discipline,  will  remem- 
ber his  views  of  the  sin  of  "rebellion  against  the 
mind  and  judgment  of  Truth, ^'  and  his  impressive 
manner  of  describing  its  effects  and  certain  conse- 
quences. 

When  the  residue  of  an  Indian  tribe,  set  up  a 
claim  to  some  lands  in  an  adjacent  state,  on  which, 
among  others,  several  families  of  Friends  were  set- 
tled,— the  claim  was  resisted  as  illegal;  the  present 
owners  having  derived  their  titles  from  others,  and 
fully  paid  for  their  lands.  Those  Friends  were  at 
that  time,  members  of  a  Monthly  and  Quarterly 
Meeting  which  belonged  to  the  Yearly  Meeting  held 
in  Philadelphia,  and  the  subject  was  brought  up,  as 
involving  a  case  of  difficulty,  for  its  advice  and 
judgment.  It  was  considered  by  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing to  be  a  matter  of  great  importance,  nearly  affect- 
ing a  considerable  number  of  the  members  of  socie- 
ty; and  was  referred  by  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  the 
careful  investigation  of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings, 
with  direction  to  report  their  sense  and  judgment. 
Nicholas  Waln  was  a  member  of  that  meeting, — 
the  subject  was  duly  considered  in  all  its  parts,  and 
their  decision,  waiving  all  considerations  of  law,  or 
legal  possession  through  lapse  of  time,  was  based 
upon  the  principle  of  justice,  and  required  that  full 
and  ample  remuneration  be  made  to  those  Indians, 
who  were  regarded  as  the  rightful  owners — and  the 
Yearly  Meeting  adopted  their  report,  with  entire 
unanimity,  and  forwarded  it  as  their  judgment  to 
the  proper  Quarterly  Meeting. 

Soon  after  this  the  subject  was  brought  before  the 
Yearly  Meeting  a  second  time,  but  now,  as  a  matter 
of  charge  against  the  Monthly  Meeting  in  question. 


130 

they  having  refused  to  comply  with  the  advice  of 
the  Yearly  Meeting!  Nicholas  Waln  was  at  the 
table  as  clerk; — the  meeting  regarded  the  position 
that  the  Monthly  Meeting  had  taken,  as  unjustifia- 
ble. Upon  the  opening  of  the  afternoon  sitting, 
Nicholas  rose,  and  said, — **Pride  goeth  before  de- 
struction, and  an  aspiring  spirit  before  a  fall.  I  wish 
we  may  all  experience  that  state,  wherein  we  can 
say.  Thy  will  be  done.  As  for  this  business,  I  have 
travelled  in  it,  as  much  as  any  Friend; — and  if  the 
authority  of  the  Meeting  for  Sufferings,  and  the  au- 
thority of  this  Meeting,  is  to  be  trampled  upon  by 
a  Monthly  Meeting  of  insurgents,  (for  I  consider 
them  to  be  in  the  same  spirit  with  the  insurgents 
against  government) — I  wish  to  give  up  every  office 
I  hold  in  society!" 

But  though  he  would  thus  sometimes  exalt  the 
standard  of  Truth,  with  relation  to  church  power,  it 
was  in  order  to  set  it  over  wrong  things,  and  over 
imaginations,  and  evil  spirits  made  manifest  in 
them, — but  not  over  the  consciences  or  religious 
feelings  of  his  brethren.  No  friend  could  be  more 
tender  and  tolerant,  or  had  more  regard  to  the  civil 
and  religious  rights  of  men. 

In  the  city  of  Bristol,  in  England,  Friends  had 
been  in  the  practice  of  holding  a  two  weeks'  meet- 
ing, in  the  nature  of  a  Monthly  Meeting; — that  is,  it 
was  their  executive  meeting,  dealing  with  offenders 
and  otherwise  administeringthe  discipline, asMonth- 
ly  Meetings,  elsewhere.  This  had  been  of  long  stand- 
ing, and  Friends  there  were  attached  to  it,  as  suit- 
ing, in  their  apprehension,  their  own  circumstances. 
They  also  held  a  meeting  once  in  three  months,  in 
the  character  of  a  Quarterly  Meeting,  composed  of 
the  same  members,  to  which  their  two  weeks'  meet- 
ing was  amenable.     That  is,  Bristol  Friends  were 


131 

as  judge  and  jury  in  all  cases  relating  to  themselves, 
in  church  aflfairs. 

When  Nicholas  was  first  in  England  on  a  reli- 
gious visit,  he  was  at  Bristol,  and  became  acquainted 
with  this  singular  circumstance,  and  with  the  un- 
easiness of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  held  in  London,  with 
regard  to  it.  But,  according  to  the  practice  of 
Friends,  they  had  a  right  to  hold  such  meetings  as 
best  suited  themselves; — and,  besides,  those  meet- 
ings were  of  long  standing,  and  Friends  were  at- 
tached to  their  institutions  because  they  were  an- 
cient. The  evil  was  apparent,  but  there  was  no 
remedy  without  the  consent  of  Bristol  Friends 
themselves. 

Nicholas  Waln  met  a  committee  of  their  Yearly 
Meeting  at  Bristol,  and  was  instrumental  in  bring- 
ing about  a  salutary  change.  The  following  extract 
from  a  letter  which  he  wrote  to  James  Pemberton, 
of  Philadelphia,  will  show  that  he  did  not  consider 
Bristol  Friends  as  "insurgents."  Their  case  was 
a  matter  of  religious  freedom,  and  of  right.  It  will 
also  show  the  practice  of  society  in  relation  to  lay- 
ing down  meetings. 

Bristol,  \st  o/lOfh  month,  1783. 

"Dear  Friend, — I  received  thy  favour  of  26th 
of  7th  month,  1783,  by  John  Elliott,  who,  with 
some  other  Friends,  a  committee  of  the  Yearly 
Meeting,  came  here  on  a  visit  to  Friends  of  Bristol. 

In  this  city  they  hold  a  two  weeks^  meeting,  in  na- 
ture of  a  Monthly  Meeting,  and  a  Quarterly  Meet- 
ing which  is  made  up  of  the  same  Friends:  so  that 
on  appeals,  &c.  it  is  ab  eadem;  ad  eundem.  Some 
reasons  induced  the  Yearly  Meeting  to  promote 
their  being  joined  to  some  county,  and  instead  of  a 
two  weeks'  meeting,  to  hold  a  monthly  meeting. 
This  met  with  opposition  from  those  who  are  at- 


132 

tached  to  old  usages;  but  through  some  close  labour, 
they  have  agreed  to  become  a  branch  of  Somerset 
Quarterly  Meeting.  This  alteration,  I  hope,  will 
be  beneficial. 

John  Pemberton  and  William  Matthews,  I  be- 
lieve, are  in  Ireland,  and  Robert  Valentine  in  the 
north  of  England. 

Thy  loving  friend, 

Nicholas  Waln." 

"This  alteration, ''  says  he,  "I  hope  will  be  bene- 
ficial.'^  It  has  been  brought  about  through  '^some 
close  labour;"  not  to  coerce  Friends  of  Bristol,  but 
to  convince  and  gain  them; — and  they  accordingly 
"agreed  to  become  a  branch  of  Somerset  Quarterly 
Meeting." 

Several  years  after  his  return  from  this  visit,  and 
before  he  went  to  Europe  the  second  time,  two 
monthly  meetings  in  a  neighbouring  city,  disagreed 
exceedingly  about  their  property,  and  mostly  about 
ownership  in  a  valuable  lot,  partly  appropriated  as 
a  burying-ground.  The  case  was  the  more  trying, 
and  difficult  of  satisfactory  adjustment,  because  all 
the  Friends  concerned  had,  at  one  time,  been  mem- 
bers of  one  Monthly  Meeting.  But  both  meetings 
believed  they  were  contending  only  for  their  rights, 
and  each  considered  the  other's  views,  and  their 
practices  accordingly,  as  wrong:  both  of  them  were 
anxious  for  a  settlement  and  termination  of  strife 
and  contention,  but  desirous  also  of  victory. 

In  this  situation  it  was  natural  for  concerned 
members  to  look  towards  Nicholas  Waln.  Pie 
was  a  good  judge  of  legal  questions,  and  was  known 
to  be  a  peace-maker; — and  though  not  a  member 
even  of  the  Yearly  Meeting,  within  which  the  diffi- 
culty existed,  the  whole  case  was  submitted  for  his 
consideration  and  judgment  by  a  Friend  who,  like 


133 

Nicholas  Waln,  loved  peace  and  harmony  in  re- 
ligious society,  and  who  suggested  the  propriety  of 
his  attending  their  monthly  meeting.  The  follow- 
ing is  an  extract  from  his  answer. 

**The  subject  of  thy  last  letter  has  claimed  and 
obtained  my  attention; — but  I  should  hope,  that  if 
patience  is  abode  in,  wisdom  may  be  vouchsafed  to 
conduct  the  business  to  a  right  conclusion,  which  I 
trust  is  the  desire  of  Friends  generally.  And  though 
there  may  be  variety  of  prospects,  and  difference  of 
sentiment,  yet  as  we  dwell  in  love,  and  keep  low  in 
the  feeling  state,  we  are  sometimes  favoured  with  a 
sense  of  what  is  proper  to  be  done,  and  so  unite  with 
the  judgment  of  Truth ;  and  which,  when  known,  we 
dare  not  oppose.  It  is  not  very  probable  that  I  shall 
attend  your  monthly  meeting,  knowing,  of  myself, 
I  can  do  nothing;  and  unless  1  am  sent,  I  shall  not 
profit  the  people. 

I  am  thine,  &c. 

Nicholas  Waln." 

The  nature  of  that  government  in  religious  socie- 
ty, which  we  profess  to  be  Divine,  cannot  perhaps 
be  better  described.  "To  dwell  in  love,  and  keep 
low  in  the  feeling  state,"  are  among  the  means 
through  which  we  arrive  at  "the  judgment  of  Truth," 
which  is  the  judgment  of  Christ, — and  "when  this 
is  known,  we  dare  not  oppose."  No  difficulty  can 
arise  among  Friends,  until  the  unity  is  broken,  and 
love  is  lost;  and  wherever  this  unhappily  takes  place 
in  any,  there  is  an  end  of  "keeping  low  in  the  feel- 
ing state,'^ — "the  judgment  of  truth"  cannot  be 
known,  though  it  may  be  professed;  and  without  it, 
our  own  judgments  soon  carry  us  beyond  the  bounds 
of  charity  and  brotherly  kindness!  "Hereby  shall 
all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  unto  another!" 
12 


1S4 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  to  a  particu- 
lar friend  in  Baltimore,  dated  5th  month,  1799,  ex- 
hibits the  sympathetic  feelings  of  the  mind  of  Nicho- 
las Waln;  and,  while  it  manifests  his  concern  for 
the  future  welfare  and  preservation  of  his  friend, 
it  shows  a  sound,  discriminating  judgment  in  the 
writer. 

**Dear  Friend, — Although  I  have  not  taken  an 
opportunity  of  expressing  my  sympathy  with  thee 
and  thy  children,  under  your  great  and  afflicting 
loss,  yet  I  think  I  was  strongly  impressed  with  cor- 
dial sorrow;  which  was  much  alleviated  by  the  hope 
of  her  being  gone  to  the  peaceful  abodes  of  the 
righteous.  She  was  one,  for  whom  I  had  great  love 
and  esteem:  and  although  it  may  appear  early  to 
give  a  caution,  in  respect  to  a  future  matrimonial 
connexion,  yet  I  have  seen  so  many  mistakes  made 
in  this  respect,  that  I  feel  a  liberty  to  express  a  wish, 
that  if  such  a  prospect  should  open,  thou  would  care- 
fully examine,  solidly  deliberate,  and  deeply  search 
after  the  mind  of  Truth." 

That  kind  of  admonition  and  advice,  which  is 
generally  considered  as  more  in  place  in  meetings  of 
discipline,  Nicholas  Waln  would  sometimes  give 
very  impressively  at  the  close  of  meetings  for  wor- 
ship. 

On  one  occasion,  in  a  time  of  severe,  cold  weather, 
at  the  close  of  a  large  meeting  on  first-day  evening, 
in  the  Market  street  house,  he  rose  and  said — 
**There  are  two  cautions  which  I  wish  to  prevail  in 
our  society.  I  wish  we  may  give  no  factitious 
notes.  I  wish  we  may  be  punctual  in  our  promises 
and  just  in  the  payment  of  our  debts, — and  when 
we  have  paid  every  body,  be  kind  to  the  poor!" 

The  practice  of  banking,  in  Philadelphia,  had  its 
origin  in  his  time;  and  the  number  of  banks  had  in- 
creased, from  one,  which  was  at  first  thought  suffi- 


135 

cient,  to  ten  or  twelve,  and  occasioned  an  entire 
change  in  money  transactions,  from  what  he  had 
been  accustomed  to.  Nicholas  Waln  highly  dis- 
approved of  their  multiplication,  and  predicted  that 
in  times  of  difficulty,  failures  of  banking  companies 
would  take  place,  or  that  their  notes  would  depre- 
ciate in  value,  and  the  community  suffer  loss.  Be- 
sides, he  wholly  disapproved  of  factitious  notes,  and 
the  practice  of  endorsements  upon  them  to  raise  mo- 
ney; and  often  laboured  faithfully,  in  meetings  for 
discipline,  that  Friends  might  conduct  their  busi- 
ness as  much  as  possible,  without  dependance  upon 
banks  for  accommodation.  In  these  respects  he  had 
many  fellow-labourers;  several  of  whom,  and  per- 
haps the  most  distinguished,  resided  in  Philadel- 
phia; but  within  the  Yearly  Meeting,  particularly 
before  the  incorporation  of  country  banks,  they  were 
found  among  the  representatives,  more  or  less,  of 
every  Quarterly  Meeting.  And  whenever  the  great 
question  of  trade  and  business,  or  Friends'  conduct 
and  practices  therein,  was  considered,  (which  takes 
place  once  a  year,)  'Hhe  judgment  of  truth'^  was  de- 
cidedly opposed  to  the  common  maxims,  and  com- 
mon practices  of  the  times,  and  in  accordance  with 
Friends'  ancient  testimonies,  that  led  them  through 
the  paths  of  self-denial,  into  moderation,  and  made 
them  way-marks  unto  others.  And  as  the  Yearly 
Meeting  sometimes  committed  to  writing  their  sense 
and  judgment  on  this  important  subject,  the  follow- 
ing minutes  are  given  as  in  accordance  with  the 
'Hwo  cautions,'^  and  the  religious  principles  of 
Nicholas  Waln. 

<*We  warn  our  members  against  a  pernicious 
practice  amongst  the  trading  part  of  the  communi- 
ty, which  has  often  issued  in  the  ruin  of  those  con- 
cerned therein,  viz:  that  of  raising  and  circulating  a 
kind  of  paper  credit,  with  endorsements,  to  give  it 


136 

an  appearance  of  value,  without  an  intrinsic  reality; 
a  practice  which,  as  it  appears  to  be  inconsistent 
with  the  truth  we  profess,  we  declare  our  disappro- 
bation of,  and  entreat  every  member  of  our  society 
to  avoid  and  discourage." 

**We  also  caution  all  in  membership  with  us,  to 
avoid  entering  into  joint  securities  with  others,  un- 
der the  specious  plea  of  rendering  acts  of  kindness; 
many  by  so  doing,  having  been  suddenly  ruined, 
and  their  innocent  wives  and  children  reduced  to 
deplorable  circumstances.  *Be  not  thou  (said  the 
wise  man)  one  of  them  that  strike  hands;  or  of  them 
that  are  sureties  for  debt.  If  thou  hast  nothing  to 
pay,  why  should  he  take  away  thy  bed  from  under 
thee.'" 

<*We  affectionately  desire,  that  Friends  may  wait 
for  Divine  counsel  in  all  their  engagements,  and  not 
suffer  their  minds  to  be  hurried  away,  by  an  inor- 
dinate desire  of  worldly  riches;  remembering  the 
observation  of  the  apostle  in  his  day,  and  so  often 
sorrowfully  verified  in  ours;  'they  who  will  be  rich 
fall  into  temptation  and  a  snare,'  and  erring  from 
the  faith,  'pierce  themselves  through  with  many 
sorrows.'  Even  when  riches  to  any  extraordinary 
degree  have  been  amassed,  by  the  successful  indus- 
try of  parents,  how  often  have  they  proved  like 
wings  to  their  children,  carrying  them  beyond  the 
limitations  of  Truth  into  liberties  repugnant  to  our 
religious  testimonies,  and  sometimes  into  enterprises 
which  have  terminated  in  irreparable  damage  to 
their  temporal  affairs,  if  not  an  entire  forgetfulness 
of  the  great  work  of  the  soul's  salvation." 

In  the  sequel  it  will  be  seen  that  * 'factitious 
notes,"  endorsed  ''under  the  specious  plea  of  ren- 
dering acts  of  kindness,"  made  his  widow  poor,  and 
deprived  two  of  his  sons  who  had  no  agency  in  the 
transaction,  of  a  fair  inheritance,  and  that  too  with- 
out benefiting  the  other,  as  his  affectionate  and  ex- 


1S7 

cellent  mother  intended,  when  she  put  all,  without 
fully  knowing,  perhaps,  what  she  did,  to  the  hazard 
of  the  often  deceptive  probabilities  of  mercantile 
speculation  and  trade, — in  which  she  had  no  neces- 
sary concern.  But  as  this  disastrous  event  occurred 
after  his  decease,  we  will  return  to  Nicholas 
Waln,  and  consider  him  as  a  member  of  the  school 
corporation. 

He  was  many  years  an  '^overseer  of  the  public 
schools,  founded  by  charter  in  the  town  and  county 
of  Philadelphia,"  the  institution  in  which  he  had 
received  his  education.  Under  the  care  of  these 
overseers,  there  are  twelve  or  fourteen  different 
schools,  and  sometimes  more,  situated  in  different 
parts  of  the  city  and  districts,  in  which  many  of  the 
children  of  Friends,  and  many  more  that  are  not 
members,  receive  their  school-learning. 

In  one  of  these  seminaries,  the  Latin  and  Greek 
languages  are  taught, — in  another,  the  mathematics 
generally,  and  the  higher  branches  of  an  English 
education, — while  in  the  others,  reading,  writing, 
arithmetic,  English  grammar,  geography,  and  the 
introductory  branches  of  mathematical  science — and 
of  these  latter,  several  are  for  female  children. 

From  the  foundation  of  this  institution,  by  the 
Friends  of  Philadelphia,  to  whom  William  Penn 
granted  the  charter,  as  aforesaid,  to  the  present  time, 
many  orphans  and  other  poor  children,  some  of  them 
Friends,  but  far  the  greater  number  in  his  time,  not 
members,  have  received  their  school-learning  free  of 
any  charge  or  expense  to  their  friends,  or  the  pub- 
lic; and,  besides,  all  their  books  and  necessary  ap- 
paratus are  furnished  gratis,  and,  in  the  winter  sea- 
son, they  are  comfortably  clothed.  They  wear  no 
badge,  or  uniform,  to  distinguish  them  from  the 
other  children;  they  are  not  known  in  the  schools 
as  charity  scholars,  and  indeed,  in  many  cases,  do 
12* 


138 

not  know  they  are  such,  themselves.  As  there  has 
been  from  fifty  to  a  hundred  of  this  description  of 
children  in  the  schools  at  one  time, — it  is  believed 
that  thousands  have,  in  this  way,  freely  acquired  an 
education  to  fit  them  for  business,  without  the  know- 
ledge of  the  public  through  any  channel  whatever. 
"Let  not  thy  left  hand  know  what  thy  right  hand 
doeth." 

For  the  superintendence  of  the  education  of  so 
large  a  number  of  children,  the  overseers,  dividing 
themselves  into  committees  and  sub-committees, 
visit  the  schools  quarterly,  and  sometimes  monthly; 
and  even  oftener,  on  occasions.  Nicholas  Waln 
was  one  of  the  committee  having  charge  of  the  Latin 
schools — but  this  did  not  prevent  his  visits,  which 
were  often  memorable,  to  the  others.  These  visits 
were  not  considered  official; — it  would  appear  from 
his  manner,  at  first,  that  they  were  mere  calls, — 
that  he  had  no  particular  object;  but  the  counte- 
nances of  the  children  would  brighten  at  his  plea- 
santry, or  smile  at  his  remarks,  as  he  would  walk 
through  the  passages  towards  the  teacher's  seat.  On 
one  occasion,  particularly,  a  class  was  reading,  and 
he  took  a  book  in  hand  '<to  look  over."  After 
hearing  them  all,  he  began  to  read  himself; — but  he 
,had  not  proceeded  far,  when  his  voice  began  to  fail, 
as  though  he  was  affected  with  his  subject; — when, 
closing  the  book,  he  preached  a  most  thrilling,  im- 
pressive, and  instructive  sermon,  in  such  simple 
terms,  that  little  children  could  understand,  and 
many  of  them  well  remembered  when  they  became 
men. 

From  what  has  been  said,  it  will  be  apparent,  that 
the  duties  of  overseers,  were  not  considered  by  them 
merely  of  a  literary  nature — they  felt  a  religious, 
and  almost  a  parental  care  over  the  the  children; — 
and  therefore  required  by  their  printed  rules,  that 


139 

were  placed  in  a  conspicuous  place  in  every  room, 
that  the  scriptures  should  be  read  daily  in  every 
school,  and  that  their  teachers  should  bring  the 
scholars  with  them  to  the  meetings  for  worship,  in 
the  district  of  the  city,  where  they  were  kept — and 
hence,  overseers  saw  the  children  that  were  placed 
under  their  care  once  a  week,  in  some  one  of  the 
several  meetings. 

Nicholas  Waln  was  a  member  of  the  southern 
district,  or  Pine  street  meeting,  and  generally  at- 
tended some  others,  as  they  came  in  course;  and 
that  kind  of  feeling  in  them,  as  described  in  the  let- 
ter of  a  friend,  on  another  occasion,  was  often  expe- 
rienced; **which  seemed  to  baptise  those  favoured 
congregations,  in  the  living  streams  of  consolation," 
of  which  there  are  many  who  were  made  partakers, 
when  among  the  school  children,  and  who,  at  this 
distant  period  of  time,  are  living  witnesses. 

It  is  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that  children  are 
not  capable  of  religious  understanding.  Nicholas 
Waln,  from  his  own  testimony,  received  impres- 
sions in  his  childhood  that  he  never  wholly  lost;  to 
w^hich  afterwards  he  adverted,  as  the  means,  under 
a  divine  and  merciful  providence,  of  his  redemption 
and  salvation.  He  could  not  feel  indifferent,  there- 
fore, to  the  religious,  guarded  education  of  children. 
That  this  care  and  his  preaching  were  blessed  to 
many  of  them,  the  following  instance  in  one  family, 
may  suffice  to  show. 

A  man  of  some  note  and  distinction  in  the  city, 
had  married  his  wife  abroad,  and  brought  her  from 
among  her  friends,  the  Moravians,  and  away  from 
the  religious  institutions  in  which  she  had  been  edu- 
cated, to  reside  in  Philadelphia,  a  stranger — and  a 
stranger  she  seemed  inclined  to  be,  living  very  re- 
tired, or  making  very  few  acquaintances,  out  of  her 
husband's  family  circle.      She  was  the  mother  of 


140 

several  children;  one  of  which  she  lost  while  an 
infant,  and  for  which  she  sorrowed  exceedingly. 
After  several  years  had  elapsed,  she  felt  inclined  to 
seek  consolation,  or  at  least,  alleviation  of  her  own 
feelings,  by  attending  at  some  place  of  public  wor- 
ship;— and  she  went  alternately  to  several,  and 
heard  several  popular  preachers;  but  as  her  distress 
was  greatly  increased  by  what  she  heard  and  read 
of  the  doctrines  of  religious  professors,  she  con- 
cluded again  to  resume  her  state  of  seclusion  from 
the  world;  which  she  did  for  some  time.  But  hear- 
ing afterwards  a  good  account  of  the  Methodists, 
she  concluded  to  go  and  hear  them:  she  did  so,  se- 
veral times  a  week,  for  several  weeks;  and  though 
she  believed  they  placed  less  reliance  upon  water 
baptism,  and  other  outward  ordinances  and  ceremo- 
nies than  others,  yet  their  manner  of  worship  did 
not  suit  the  state  of  her  exercised  mind,  and  she 
concluded  to  look  no  further.  She  saw  nothing  for 
herself  but  retirement;  and  thought  no  human  being 
had  ever  been  in  her  condition;  which  admitted,  as 
she  supposed,  of  no  happiness  or  enjoyment  in  this 
life. 

During  this  time  of  close  trial  and  religious  exer- 
cises, her  eldest  son,  a  boy  of  eight  or  nine  years  of 
age,  was  placed  at  Friends'  school,  in  the  southern 
district,  and  had  gone,  with  the  scholars,  on  fourth- 
days,  to  Pine  street  meeting.  Returning  home  one 
day,  he  found  his  mother  in  her  room,  alone,  in 
great  distress,  and  her  tears  flowing  freely:  he  went 
to  her,  held  her  affectionately  by  the  hand,  and 
wept  aloud.  After  some  time,  he  addressed  her 
thus:  '^Ma',  what  ails  you?  What  makes  you  cry 
so  much?  Ma',  I  wish  you  would  come  to  one  of 
the  meetings  our  school  goes  to;  I  am  sure  it  would 
do  you  good."  Long  afterwards,  when  relating  her 
religious  experience  to  a  friend,  she  mentioned  this 


141 

circumstance;  the  affectionate  invitation  of  her  own 
child  to  go  to  meeting,  determined  her  to  make  the 
trial,  and  her  soul  was  satisfied:  she  was  indeed 
baptised, — not  in  water,  but  <^in  the  living  streams 
of  consolation."  She  became  convinced  of  the 
reality  of  a  principle  of  grace,  light,  or  truth,  in  her 
own  mind;  diligently  attended  the  meetings  of 
Friends  the  remainder  of  her  life,  and  died  in 
peace,  and  full  of  the  Christian's  hope. 

One  other  institution,  having  relation  to  the  reli- 
gious and  parental  care  of  the  '^overseers  of  the  pub- 
lic schools,^'  deserves  to  be  mentioned,  and  that  is, 
"the  scholars'  quarterly  meeting."  On  the  first 
sixth  day,  in  the  1st,  4th,  7th,  and  10th  months,  the 
children  of  all  their  schools  were  collected  in  "the 
children's  meeting."  The  overseers  met  with  them, 
and  several  of  the  ministers  and  elders  in  the  city, 
and  some  other  Friends.  The  design  must  be  ap- 
parent;— such  counsel  and  advice — such  religious 
information  and  instruction  as  might  be  proper  for 
children,  could  here  be  communicated.  They  were 
meetings,  in  which  children  were  much  interested; 
as  was  evident  from  the  cheerfulness  and  punctuality 
with  which  they  would  be,  by  times,  at  the  school, 
to  go  to  "children's  meeting,"  as  they  called  it. 
Nicholas  Waln  always  attended  these  meetings, 
when  at  home,  and  his  health  permitted,  and  often 
preached  to  the  '^lads  and  lasses,"  in  such  simple 
and  familiar  language,  as  children  could  well  under- 
stand; and  which  greatly  endears  his  memory  to 
many  men  and  women  that  are  now  far  advanced  in 
life. 

With  one  observation  more,  the  institutions  under 
the  care  of  the  **overseers  of  the  public  schools,"  in 
which  Nicholas  Waln  took  so  deep  an  interest, 
may  be  dismissed.  It  has  been  already  said,  that 
the  larger  number  of  the  children  in  their  schools 


142 

in  those  days,  were  not  Friends:  but  the  guardian- 
ship over  them,  and  the  religious  care  exercised, 
were  not  with  any  design  to  make  converts,  but  to 
imbue  their  tender  minds  with  a  deep  impression 
of  the  great  fundamental  doctrines  of  the  christian 
religion,  as  distinct  from  all  sectarian  notions  and 
opinions.  And  hence,  they  were  taught  'Ho  re- 
member their  Creator  in  the  days  of  their  youth, — 
to  honour  and  obey  their  parents, — and  to  love  one 
another."  No  institution  could  be  less  ostentatious, 
and  it  is  believed  few  could  have  done  more  good, 
than  the  schools  under  the  care  of  these  overseers, 
in  the  life  time  of  Nicholas  Waln  and  his  co- 
temporaries. 

In  1811  and  12,  he  had  become  quite  feeble,  but 
continued  diligently  to  attend  all  the  meetings  of 
Friends  at  Pine  street,  and  sometimes  others,  though 
unable  many  times  to  reach  them,  without  several 
calls  at  friends'  houses  on  the  way,  to  rest  himself: 
and,  at  last,  when  too  weak  to  walk,  he  would  ride, 
although  it  was  with  difficulty  he  could  get  in  or 
out  of  his  carriage.  To  a  friend,  who  told  him  he 
was  not  well  enough  to  go  to  meeting,  he  said, 
"That  he  would  as  lieve  die  there,  as  any  where 
else."  At  another  time,  he  said  to  a  friend  who  was 
assisting  him  out  of  his  carriage  at  the  meeting  house 
door,  *'I  am  weary  of  this  poor  frail  body  of  mine;" 
yet  he  continued  to  attend  meetings  regularly  until 
the  summer  of  1813,  when  he  removed  with  his 
family  to  his  country  place,  near  Frankford.  In  a 
few  weeks,  it  was  observable  that  his  remaining 
strength  was  declining  very  fast, — and  he  was 
brought  back  again  to  the  city,  and  soon  after  was 
confined  to  his  bed.  As  the  end  approached,  a 
friend  remarked,  "that  a  season  of  deep  conflict  was 
permitted  to  assail  his  mind,  and  prove  his  faith  in 
the  sufficiency  of  divine  and  saving  help."     But  a 


143 

short  time  before  his  lamp  was  extinguished,  he 
said,  with  much  emphasis,  "To  die  is  gain." 

He  deceased  the  29th  of  the  9th-  month,  1813, 
aged  seventy-one  years  and  ten  days — and  his  burial 
was  an  occasion  that  brought  a  very  large  concourse 
of  people  together.  K. 


Letters  from  Nicholas  Waln,  to  his  friend  in 
Baltimore. 

Such  parts  of  these  letters  as  were  on  pecuniary  business  are 
omitted. 

Philadelphia,  30thof9ih  mo.  1787. 

Dear  Friend, — Our  Yearly  Meeting  closed  last 
evening.  It  was  large  and  solemn,  and  ended  well. 
Thy  letter,  some  time  ago,  enclosing  the  Epistle  for 
London,  did  not  come  to  hand  till  after  John  Town- 
send  had  embarked;  but  it  has  been  forwarded.  En- 
closed are  our  select  Queries,  agreeable  to  thy  de- 
sire. Our  Yearly  Meeting  have  agreed  to  have  a 
revision  of  our  Discipline,  and  the  Book  of  Advices, 
in  order  for  the  press.  This  will  be  a  work  of  time 
and  labour. 

William  Matthews,  Zachariah  Dicks,  Rebekah 
Wright,  Ann  Jessop,  and  Patience  Brayton,  at- 
tended our  meeting. 

I  remain,  with  love  to  thy  dear  wife,  and  David 
Brown  and  wife,  thy  affectionate  friend, 

Nicholas  Waln. 

Philadelphia,  QlthoflUh  month,  1789. 

By  this  opportunity,  I  mean  to  send  our  Epistle 

to  your  Yearly  Meeting,  with  some  copies  of  our 

Address,  and  the  president's  answer.     I  attended, 

with  some  other  friends,  at  New  York,  at  its  pre- 


144 

sentation.  We  were  well  received.  I  mean,  also, 
to  send  some  copies  of  recommendations  respecting 
schools.  I  seem  to  hope,  and  be  confirmed  that  the 
new  arrangement  will  tend  to  religious  advantage, 
and  am  desirous  that  Friends  may  endeavour  to  re- 
concile their  minds  thereto.  My  wife  and  children 
are  well.  With  love  to  thy  wife,  and  D.  Brown 
and  wife,  I  remain  thy  loving  friend. 

The  two  Friends  from  Ireland  are  on  a  visit  to 
families  in  this  city. 

Philadelphia^  6th  of  Uh  month,  1795. 

It  is  probable  thou  hast  heard  I  have  obtained  the 
usual  certificates  to  pay  a  religious  visit  to  some 
parts  of  Europe.  Since  which,  our  friend,  David 
Bacon,  has  opened  to  his  Monthly  Meeting  a  reli- 
gious engagement  to  go  with  me;  with  which 
Friends  concurring,  a  certificate  was  directed  to  be 
prepared  accordingly.  Being  thus  provided  with 
a  suitable  companion,  it  will  not  be  necessary  for 
thee  to  go  on  my  account. 

With  love  to  thy  wife  and  children,  thy  assured 
friend. 

Liverpool,  I2ih  of  I2th  month,  1795. 
Having  visited  the  meetings,  and  performed  the 
tour  of  Ireland,  I  left  Dublin  last  second-day  even- 
ing, and  in  about  sixteen  hours,  landed  at  Holy- 
head, on  the  isle  of  Anglesey;  from  whence,  over 
three  ferries,  and  by  land,  we  came  to  this  town,  in 
middling  health.  And,  hearing  a  vessel  is  about 
sailing  for  your  port,  I  have  written  a  letter  to  my 
wife;  and,  remembering  that  a  friend  of  mine,  J.  T. 
by  name,  lives  in  the  town  of  Baltimore,  I  con- 
cluded to  write  to  him  also.  Thomas  Scattergood  is 
in  the  north  of  Ireland.  Sarah  Harrison,  I  believe, 
is  in  Yorkshire.    David  Sands  not  far  from  hence;  I 


145 

expect  to  meet  him  at  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  War- 
rington, next  second  or  third-day.  I  purpose  stay- 
ing first-day  meeting  here,  to-morrow.  A  ship  is 
lately  arrived  from  your  port,  loaded  with  Indian 
corn;  which,  it  is  apprehended,  will  not  be  easily 
sold, — the  people  here  being  prejudiced  against  the 
use  of  it.  How  long  I  shall  continue  in  this  land, 
is  at  present  uncertain;  my  chief  concern  seemed  to 
be  for  Ireland.  My  love  to  thy  wife  and  family, — 
to  the  Browns  and  M'Kims,  and  their  families. 
With  desires  for  thy  preservation,  and  establishment 
in  the  Truth,  I  remain  thy  loving  friend. 

Philadelphia,  28th  of  3d  month,  1798. 

Our  Spring  Meeting  has  been  large,  and  I  hope, 
solid  and  profitable.  Ann  Mifilin,  wife  of  Warner, 
laid  before  us  her  concern  and  certificates  to  accom- 
pany Mary  Berry  on  a  religious  visit  to  Barbadoes, 
which  obtained  concurrence;  but,  considering  the 
advanced  age  and  infirmities  of  M.  B.,  it  is  as  yet 
doubtful,  whether  she  may  not  be  excused. 

It  is  probable  you  may  have  heard  of  the  arrival 
of  an  ancient  woman  Friend,  Mary  Pryor,  from 
England,  under  a  concern  to  visit  this  city  and 
neighbourhood.  It  seems,  after  being  on  board  the 
ship  Fame,  eleven  weeks,  the  pumps  continually 
going,  they  were  taken  on  board  of  a  schooner  from 
Halifax  to  Philadelphia.  They  saved  nothing  but 
a  few  trifles,  except  the  clothes  on  their  backs. 
Mary  had  not  her  clothes  off"  for  nearly  two  weeks. 
While  on  board  the  schooner,  the  captain,  Macey, 
behaved  very  kind  to  the  people.  Mary  lodges  at 
James  Pemberton's;  and  a  subscription  has  been 
made  for  the  poor  passengers,  many  of  whom  lost 
their  all.  My  wife  and  sons  are  well.  With  love 
to  thy  wife  and  children,  I  remain  thy  assured 
friend. 

13 


146 

Near  Frankford,  23rf  of  Idth  month,  1798. 

Dear  Friend, — We  arrived  at  the  ferry  and 
crossed  over,  the  evening  of  the  day  we  left  Balti- 
more, and  on  seventh-day  got  to  our  aunt  Richard- 
son's, in  good  time.  Here  we  stayed  on  first-day, 
attended  the  morning  meeting  at  Wilmington,  at 
which  there  were  near  one  hundred  people; — that 
in  the  afternoon,  not  so  large.  On  second-day 
morning,  we  proceeded,  and  got  safe  home  to  our 
country  habitation  near  Frankford;  I  found  my 
family  all  well.  My  letter  from  Baltimore  had  been 
received,  which  led  me  to  the  inquiry  after  thine, 
at  the  post-office,  which  was  obtained.  I  expect  to 
attend  our  Monthly  Meeting  to-morrow  in  the  city; 
where  new  cases  of  the  yellow  fever,  or  pestilence, 
still  occur. 

It  is  probable  you  are  informed,  ere  this,  of  the 
arrival  of  William  Savery  at  New  York.  Where 
he  now  is,  I  have  not  heard.  A  hope  is  entertained 
that  the  present  north-west  wind  will  tend  to  the 
diminution  of  the  contagion.  When  my  family  will 
return  to  the  city,  is  not  determined; — it  probably 
will  depend  upon  the  state  of  the  malady.  Although 
many  doubts  and  fears  attend  my  mind,  in  the  course 
of  my  pilgrimage,  yet  I  am  not  left  without  some 
hope,  that  my  journey  and  visit  to  your  town  was 
in  the  ordering  of  best  wisdom. 

I  have  letters  from  London,  which  mention  that 
the  family  and  connexions  of  our  friend,  Mary  Pryor, 
were  well.  David  Sands  and  a  few  Friends  from 
Dublin,  attended  a  meeting  at  Enniscorthy,  where 
many  dead  bodies  lay  in  their  way;  but  the  meeting 
was  held  quietly.  I  had  some  reasonings  about  leav- 
ing Mary  Pryor  and  Elizabeth  Foulke;  but  as  they 
were  in  good  hands,  I  hope  they  will  be  suitably 
provided  for  every  way.  My  love  to  thy  wife, 
children  and  family,  to  whom  I  feel  myself  obliged 


147 

for  their  kind  attention  to  us.  When  an  opportu- 
nity offers,  I  shall  promote  our  book  of  discipline 
being  forwarded  to  thee.  I  have  not  heard  of  the 
death  of  any  of  our  friends. 

Philad.  24th.  Meeting  was  held  by  about  twenty 
women,  and  as  many  men; — the  Queries  were  an- 
swered.    Thy  loving  friend,  N.  Waln. 

Philadelphia^  29ih  of  4th  months  1801. 
Our  Yearly  Meeting  has  been  large  and  solid, 
and  ended  on  seventh-day,  about  one  o'clock.  Mar- 
garet Elgar  and  Mary  Brooke  attended  it,  and  are 
yet  in  this  city.  John  Hall  is  going  to  the  eastward, 
and  takes  up  Stephen  Grellett  at  New  York. 

Philadelphia,  26th  of  llth  month,  180L 
Agreeably  to  what  was  expressed  by  your  humble 
servant,  in  your  Yearly  Meeting,  our  Meeting  for 
Sufferings  have  been  solidly  engaged  in  deliberation, 
respecting  an  Address  to  the  legislature  of  Mary- 
land; and  after  mature  consideration  have  united  in 
such  Address,  and  have  nominated  our  friends,  John 
Parrish,  John  Wistar,and  Joseph  Whitall,  to  attend 
the  presentation  thereof; — desiring  the  co-operation 
of  your  Meeting  for  Sufferings  therein.  They  pro- 
pose being  in  Baltimore  time  enough  to  attend  a 
meeting  on  sixth  day,  the  4th  of  next  month,  in  the 
forenoon.  I  have,  therefore,  to  request,  on  behalf 
of  our  Meeting  and  those  Friends,  that  you  would 
use  proper  exertions  and  diligence  to  collect  the 
members  of  the  meeting  together,  at  that  time. 
With  love  to  your  families,  and  particularly  to 
Evan  Thomas  and  consort,  I  remain  yours  affec- 
tionately. 

Philadelphia,  lOth  of  lOth  month,  1804. 

My  wife  and  cousin  Ann  Mifflin  contemplate  set- 


148 

ting  oflf  to-morrow  morning  for  Baltimore.  They 
intend,  if  convenient,  to  take  up  their  abode  at  thy 
house.  I  recommend  them  to  thy  christian  care  and 
regard,  with  desires  for  their  preservation  and  growth 
in  the  truth. 

I  feel  my  spirit,  in  degree,  united  to  the  faithful 
among  you,  and  hope  you  will  be  strengthened,  and 
so  directed  in  your  deliberations,  that  the  cause  of 
truth  and  righteousness  will  be  sustained  and  ad- 
vanced. With  sentiments  of  respect,  I  am  thy 
friend, 

Nicholas  Waln. 


i4d 


To  the  Memory  of  my  dear  relative  and  friend^ 
Mary  Dickinson,  who  deceased  at  Wilmington 
the  23d  day  of  the  1th  month,  1803. 

''It  is  sown  in  dishonour,  it  is  raised  in  glory;  it  is  sown  in  weak- 
ness, it  is  raised  in  power."— 1  Corinthians,  c.  15,  v.  43. 

Amidst  the  waste  of  years,  whose  awful  shade 

Points  feeble  nature  to  its  evening  rest, 
Another  breach  on  social  comforts  made, 

With  sorrow  wounds  afresh  a  wounded  breast. 

The  dear  relation  and  the  friend  belov'd, 
(By  nature  and  by  friendship  near  allied,) 

Swells  the  dread  list  of  bosom  joys  remov'd, 
Who  once  the  human  balm  of  life  supplied: 

But,  oh!  forbear,  nor  fruitless  thus  lament, 
While  hope  surveys  her  spirit  with  the  blest, 

Death's  to  the  Christian  but  a  message  sent, 
Kindly  to  call  the  labourer  home  to  rest. 

Then  take,  lov'd  friend,  this  solemn,  short  adieu, 
(For  few  the  steps  of  my  remaining  way,) 

Till  favour'd  we  the  holy  bond  renew, 
In  the  full  light  of  God's  eternal  day. 

Ah,  bliss  beyond  our  highest  ideas  here. 

Alone  enjoy 'd  on  life's  immortal  shore. 
Where  from  each  eye  is  wip'd  the  sorrowing  tear. 

And  scenes  of  trembling  conflict  are  no  more. 

Oh,  then  to  heaven  thy  best  of  gifts  resign, 
'Till  boundless  love  shall  set  the  prisoner  free. 

Where  being  centres  to  its  source  Divine, 
And  mortal  puts  on  immortality. 

And  thus  the  Christian,  here  in  exile  held. 

Smiles  victor  over  desolation's  hour. 
In  glory  finds  the  promises  fulfill'd, 

"Though  sown  in  weakness,  it  is  raised  in  power." 


Hannah  Griffitts. 


13* 


1^ 


From  the  Salem  Gazette,  March  12,  1822. 


LYDIA  DEAN. 

Died,  in  this  town,  on  Sunday  last,  universally 
lamented,  Mrs.  Lydia  Dean,  wife  of  William 
Dean,  and  daughter  of  Mr.  William  Rotch,  of  New 
Bedford,  aged  51,  a  highly  distinguished  and  be- 
loved member  of  the  Society  of  Friends.  She  was 
a  minister  in  that  Society. 

When  on  the  departure  of  an  individual  we  every 
where  hear,  as  in  the  instance  of  this  lady,  excla- 
mations of  deep  regret  and  sympathy,  it  seems  al- 
most a  degradation  of  the  character,  to  descend  to  a 
description  of  the  particular  virtues  by  which  it  was 
adorned.  Yet  who  that  hath  felt  the  sunshine  of  that 
cheerfulness  her  benevolent  heart  constantly  diffused 
around  her — who  that  hath  been  delighted  with  the 
charms  of  her  cultivated  mind  and  polished  man- 
ners— who  that  hath  known  the  purity  of  her  prin- 
ciples, her  unaffected  modesty,  her  generous  and 
affectionate  spirit — who  that  hath  witnessed  the 
open,  and  discovered  the  secret,  operations  of  her 
extended  charities — that  hath  observed  her  ardent 
piety  to  God,  and  good  will  to  man — that  hath  seen 
her  constantly  fulfilling,  as  the  easy  habit  of  her  life, 
that  difficult  command  to  love  our  neighbour  as 
ourselves — who,  that  hath  been  so  privileged,  can 
refrain  from  speaking  minutely  of  those  virtues 
which  formed  so  delightful,  so  elevated  a  character? 
Yet  we  forbear.  We  feel  how  inadequate  we  are 
to  exhibit  them,  as  they  shone  in  her  life;  while 


151 

we  reflect,  that  they  must  at  once  be  the  cause  of 
grief  and  consolation  to  her  husband,  and  her  nu- 
merous relatives  and  friends,  and  especially  to  her 
venerable  parents  now  in  the  88th  year  of  their 
lives;  for  their  loss  is  beyond  calculation,  though 
her  gain  is  most  certain. 

From  the  N&w  England  Palladium. 
To  the  blameless  simplicity  of  deportment  usually 
characteristic  of  her  sect,  Mrs.  Dean  added  a  libe- 
rality of  understanding  and  an  enlightened  estimate 
of  human  nature,  derived  from  the  peculiar  oppor- 
tunities she  had  enjoyed  for  extensive  surveys  of  it 
both  here  and  in  Europe.  Thus  blending  the  wis- 
dom of  the  serpent  with  the  harmlessness  of  the 
dove,  she  became  so  eminently  qualified  for  a  judi- 
cious exercise  of  the  diffusive  influence  her  situation 
afforded,  that  we  dwell  on  her  death,  with  its  con- 
sequent privations — to  the  weak,  whom  she  forti- 
fied by  her  energy — the  wayward,  whom  she  re- 
strained by  her  tenderness  and  discretion — the  sor- 
rowful, who  looked  to  her  for  consolation — the  per- 
plexed, who  were  directed  by  her  unclouded  judg- 
ment— and  the  destitute,  who  were  relieved  by  her 
unsparing  charity: — when  we  think  of  these  things, 
we  feel  how  difficult  the  lesson  of  submission  and 
acquiescence,  which  our  friend  would  have  been 
the  first  to  inculcate  and  exemplify.  We  are  grte- 
ful,  however,  that  such  a  character  has  existed, 
and  that  we  have  known  her;  believing  few  were 
ever  privileged  to  be  in  her  presence,  who  would 
not  concur  with  us,  that  there  was  something  hal- 
lowing in  its  influences.  The  elevation  and  purity 
of  her  sentiments  imparted  a  dignity  to  her  figure, 
and  a  noble  serenity  to  her  aspect,  of  which  every 
one  was  conscious — except  their  possessor;  but  the 
awe  they  might  else  have  imposed,  softened  into 


152 

affection,  upon  witnessing  the  genuine  and  touching 
humility  with  which  she  communicated  the  result 
of  her  abilities  and  acquirements;  while  the  cor- 
diality that  gave  a  value  to  her  most  trivial  courte- 
sy, and  the  benignity  that  shone  over  her  whole 
manner,  made  her  altogether  appear  like  a  being 
from  a  better  state — so  that  an  enthusiast  in  the 
faith  of  a  pre-existence  might  have  found  confirma- 
tion of  his  opinion  in  a  cultivation  of  her  society. 
Yet  with  this  impress  from  a  higher  world,  Mrs. 
Dean  was  not  abstracted  from  the  duties  or  the  in- 
terests of  this;  but,  rational  in  her  practice  as  de- 
vout in  her  aspirations,  no  scheme,  however  hum- 
ble, no  details,  however  minute,  the  object  of  which 
was  probable  utility,  but  she  would  patiently  ana- 
lyze, and  generously  encourage.  Thus  consecrating 
her  high  powers  to  the  purposes  for  which  they 
were  bestowed,  she  fulfilled  her  trust;  having  loved 
her  own  which  were  in  the  world,  she  loved  them 
unto  the  end;  and,  consistent  to  the  last,  died  as  she 
had  lived,  in  meek  and  reverential  imitation  of  the 
Author  of  her  faith — for  the  cause  of  peace  on  earth 
and  good  will  amongst  men. 

"Her  flight  Narcissa  took — her  upward  flight, 
If  ever  soul  ascended." 


She  was  very  acceptably  the  companion  of  our 
friend,  Martha  Routh,  when  on  a  religious  visit  to 
Friends  in  this  country,  more  than  forty  years  since: 
they  crossed  the  ocean  together,  where  she  had  been 
with  her  parents  and  sister  Mary.  Our  worthy 
friend,  John  Wigham,  from  Scotland,  bound  also 
on  a  religious  errand,  came  over  at  the  same  time — 
I  think  in  1794.  Two  of  this  dear  friend's  bro- 
thers, W.  and  T.  Rotch,  being  united  in  marriage 


153 

to  the  sisters  of  my  beloved  aunt,  H.  Fisher,  and 
her  eldest  sister  to  Samuel  Rodman,  her  only  bro- 
ther; there  was  a  close  alliance  and  friendship,  (they 
staid,  when  in  this  city,  under  their  hospitable 
roof,)  which  it  is  very  precious  and  proper  to  cul- 
tivate at  all  times,  and  on  all  occasions,  bearing  in 
mind  the  injunction  *^of  this  shall  all  men  know 
that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  unto 
another/' 


154 


HANNAH  POWELL. 


[This  Obituary  was  written  by  Elizabeth  Arnold,  and  is  so 
true  and  appropriate,  that  Anna  wished  it  printed  thus. — From 
a  letter  sheet  received  from  Joseph  Botch.'] 

Died,  on  Friday  evening,  October  23d,  1835,  at 
the  residence  of  Joseph  Rotch,  Esq.  Miss  Hannah 
Powell,  of  Burlington,  New  Jersey,  aged  40. 

When  the  bright  lights  have  gone  out  from 
among  us,  their  remembrance  should  be  cherished, 
though  their  places  know  them  no  more.  We  are 
now  to  look  back  upon  a  life  of  usefulness,  passing 
quietly  on,  seeking  no  admiration  from  others,  yet 
beaming  with  the  elements  of  virtue,  and  tending 
to  the  noblest  moral  issues. 

Our  lamented  friend  was  superior  to  all  situation, 
though  placed  in  one  of  dependence;  during  a  resi- 
dence of  twenty  years  in  the  same  family,  her  opi- 
nions were  respected  and  valued,  while  her  pecu- 
liar refinement  and  dignity  of  character  rendered 
propriety  of  thought  and  feeling  so  natural  to  her, 
that  no  confidence  was  misplaced  and  no  kindness 
ever  lost  upon  her.  She  shared  a  mother's  coun- 
sels, and  wrapped  the  freshness  of  the  young  spirit 
in  a  mantle  of  love,  lest  the  cold  world  should 
breathe  harshly  upon  it.  Alike  the  temporal  and 
spiritual  guardian  of  infancy,  there  was  no  mistaken 
tenderness  in  her  fond  care. 

There  was  the  energy  of  principle  about  her,  and 
the  nobility  of  conscious  rectitude,  faithful  and  firm 
amid  trial  and  temptation,  patient  in  sufiering  of  no 
common  kind  or  degree,  the  guiding  star  of  her  life 
was  truth,  radiant  with  moral  beauty,  and  her  path 
grew  brighter  and  brighter  to  the  end. 


155 

We  rejoice  that  her  example  was  before  us,  and 
was  not  lost  upon  us;  that  from  a  sphere  like  hers 
have  gone  forth  such  emanations  of  the  beautiful 
and  good.  She  has  passed  from  the  semblance  to 
the  reality — from  the  uncertain  to  the  certain — from 
faith  to  sight — from  works  to  reward — from  hope, 
and  fear,  and  doubt,  and  eflfort,  to  that  presence 
which  is  life  eternal. 

New  Bedford,  Mass, 


156 


PETER  YARNALL. 

To  the  Memory  of  the  late  pious  Peter  Yarnal, 
an  eminent  preacher  of  the  religious  Society 
called  Quakers. 

When  those,  whom  flatterers  call  the  great,  have  died, 

The  sons  of  folly,  wealth,  ambition,  pride, 

What  mourning  throngs  have  crowded  round  their  grave, 

With  solemn  songs  their  name  from  death  to  save: 

But  when  the  truly  great,  the  pious,  die, 

How  few  the  breasts  that  swell  with  sorrow's  sigh! 

Yet  there  are  minds,  O  Yarnal!  where  thy  name 
Shall  be  embalmed  with  honourable  fame! 
Minds  that  delight  in  virtue,  and  disdain 
To  stoop  to  soothing  adulation's  strain. 
Such  souls  sincerely  give  melodious  praise 
To  those  who  fairly  win  th'  immortal  lays. 

If  aught,  earth-born,  can  give  the  laurel  crown. 
Those  spirits  whom  their  God  and  Saviour  own. 
Who  nobly  forfeit  wealth,  and  ease,  and  life, 
To  wage  with  vice  a  more  than  mortal  strife; 
Who  climb  the  steps  where  heaven  and  virtue  lead, 
May  humbly  claim  the  unperishable  meed. 

Such  is  the  high  and  honourable  claim. 
That  virtue  boldly  pleads  for  Yarnal's  name; 
His  private  sphere  e'en  clouded  eyes  shall  find. 
By  deeds  of  light,  an  image  of  his  mind: 
A  cordial  love,  where  love  was  due,  alone, 
Express'd  in  nature's  unaffected  tone; 
Stamping  each  heart  that  tenderness  could  feel, 
Deep  with  sincerity's  undoubled  seal: 
But  if  reproof  were  due,  reproof  was  heard, 
With  Angel  meekness  gracing  every  word: 
'Twas  music  of  the  soul  that  won  esteem. 
E'en  from  the  guilty  heart  it  would  redeem. 

His  friends  were  numerous;  friends  to  whom  his  heart 
Could  freely  the  full  flood  of  love  impart; 
But  by  no  friends,  and  by  no  sect  confined, 
Were  the  warm  wishes  of  his  ardent  mind: 
Taught  in  the  school  of  wisdom's  heaven  sent  law, 
He  felt  fraternal  love  of  all  he  saw; 


157 

The  rich  and  poor  with  equal  favour  lov'd, 
Superior  merit  only  more  approv'd, 
Like  those  of  old,  whose  strong  affections  flow'd 
From  their  own  kindred,  till  they  spread  abroad 
O'er  the  wide  earth  where'er  mankind  was  found; 
Such  was  his  heart,  it  knew  no  other  bound. 
And  like  those  two  commissioned  from  above. 
He  journey 'd  full  of  meekness  as  of  love. 
To  teach  wild  erring  mortals  how  to  find. 
Amidst  the  storms  of  life,  true  peace  of  mind. 
By  Truth  Eternal  on  this  errand  sent. 
He  ne'er  forgot  his  Master's  deep  intent. 
But  as  the  unerring  spirit  led  the  way. 
He  taught  us  how  to  act  and  how  to  pray. 

Strange  as  some  new  philosophers  may  deem 
The  mighty  wonders  of  the  gospel  theme. 
His  hopes  were  founded  on  the  sacred  book; 
And  none  with  mitred  head  has  ever  strove 
With  purer  zeal  to  show  his  Master's  love; 
To  justify  the  wisdom  of  his  ways. 
And  waft  on  wings  of  truth  his  name  to  praise; 
No  mere  lip-service  did  he  dare  impart 
To  him  whose  right  is  an  unsullied  heart; 
His  soul  was  with  such  reverence  impress'd. 
That  on  his  countenance  it  stood  confess'd. 

Ye  who  have  seen  him  rise  to  plead  the  cause 
Of  heaven,  and  advocate  his  Saviour's  laws; 
Ye  know  that  language  is  too  poor  to  trace 
His  unaffected  dignity  and  grace; 
And  when  the  music  of  his  voice  was  heard 
Ye  felt  the  power  of  every  burning  word, 
And  by  the  workings  of  your  heart  confess'd, 
That  something  more  than  human  touch'd  your  breast. 

Yes,  sainted  spirit!  thy  commission  came 
From  him  whom  mortal  tongues  Jehovah  name! 
Thy  thoughts  and  life  were  placed  within  his  hand. 
Thy  lips  were  sealed,  or  free  at  his  command; 
And  when  he  bade  thee  speak,  his  spirit  own'd 
Thy  words  were  truth,  and  thy  bless'd  labours  crown'd. 
'Twas  his  deep  wisdom  taught  thee  to  descry 
Thoughts  that  lay  hidden  from  each  human  eye. 
To  see  beneath  religion's  fair  outside, 
The  selfish  heart  of  vanity  and  pride; 
And  in  thy  warning  voice  his  spirit  spoke, 
While  the  dark  breast  with  awful  terrors  shook. 
14 


158 

But  when  Heaven's  mercy  dwelt  upon  thy  tongue, 
Deep  strains  of  holy  rapture  pour'd  along; 
For  thy  mild  spirit  lov'd  to  sound  abroad 
The  wondrous  mercies  of  th'  eternal  God. 
Oft  has  it  drawn  in  living  hues  of  thought, 
The  touching  parable  thy  Saviour  taught; 
Show'd  when  the  prodigal  returning  came 
To  seek  his  father  full  of  grief  and  shame; 
Repentant  bow'd  his  face  upon  the  earth, 
And  own'd  himself  unworthy  of  his  birth; 
Thrill'd  by  parental  love,  overcome  with  joy, 
The  father  threw  his  arms  around  the  boy — 
Forgave  his  crimes,  prepared  the  gladsome  feast, 
And  mingled  tears  of  rapture  with  his  guest. 
'Twas  here  the  beaming  eloquence  of  soul 
Shed  a  transparent  glory  round  the  whole. 

Thine  was  a  zeal  like  Paul's,  above  all  fear, 
Tho'  meek,  yet  bold,  tho'  cautious,  yet  sincere; 
A  zeal  obedient  to  thy  God's  command. 
Whose  value  Christians  only  understand; 
But  now,  alas!  (if  man  may  dare  to  sigh 
O'er  those  whom  Heaven  calls  to  their  native  sky,) 
Alas!  no  more  my  all  attentive  ear. 
The  inspirations  of  thy  soul  shall  hear; 
My  heart  no  longer  vibrate  to  thy  voice. 
Mourn  with  thy  spirit,  or  with  that  rejoice. 


159 


WIFE  OP  ROBERT  BARCLAY. 

[Sent  to  Miers  Fisher  from  one  of  the  family.     Printed  from 
the  Times  of  4th  January,  1794.] 

Early  on  Thursday  morning,  the  2nd  of  January, 
1794,  died,  at  Clapham  Terrace,  after  a  short  ill- 
ness, Mrs.  Barclay,  wife  of  Mr.  Robert  Barclay, 
of  Thrale's  Brewhouse,  in  Southwark.  To  those 
who  enjoyed  the  happiness  of  an  intercourse  with 
the  numerous  and  well  ordered  family,  over  which 
she  presided  with  equal  elegance  and  decorum,  it 
cannot  be  necessary  to  describe  the  excellencies 
which  distinguished  her  character  as  a  wife,  a  mo- 
ther, a  mistress,  and  a  friend;  amiable,  affectionate, 
upright,  and  humane.  Born  to  affluence,  and  en- 
deared to  her  nearest  connections  in  early  life,  by 
an  uncommon  sweetness  of  disposition,  and  a  person 
singularly  lovely:  instead  of  launching  into  the  com- 
mon amusements  and  dissipation  of  the  age,  her  mind 
was  early  impressed  with  sentiments  that  regarded 
the  serious  and  important  duties  of  life;  her  con- 
duct, regulated  by  these  sentiments,  gave  a  distinc- 
tion to  her  character,  as  well  in  the  care  and  educa- 
tion of  her  children,  twelve  of  whom  survive  her, 
as  in  the  discharge  of  the  social  and  domestic  duties, 
which  were  marked  with  acts  of  tenderness  and  be- 
nevolence. Such  excellence  departs  not  without 
the  tear  of  friendship:  what  then  must  be  the  feel- 
ings of  her  tender  but  mournful  offspring,  of  an  af- 
fectionate, but  afflicted  husband!  to  whom  the  de- 
ceased was  endeared  by  every  consideration  that  a 
constant  attachment  and  a  continued  scene  of  do- 
mestic felicity  can  suggest. 


160 


JOHN  ESTAUGH. 

Elizabeth  Estaugh^s  Testimony  to  the  Memory 
of  her  beloved  Husband,  John  Estaugh,  de- 
ceased. 

Since  it  pleased  Divine  Providence  so  highly  to 
favour  me,  with  being  the  near  companion  of  this 
dear  worthy,  I  cannot  be  altogether  silent,  but  must 
give  some  small  account  of  the  early  beginning  of  the 
working  of  truth  in  him.  He  was  born  in  Kelde- 
von,  in  Essex,  in  Great  Britain,  on  the  23d  of  2nd 
month,  1776,  of  religious  parents;  but  he  grew 
uneasy  with  the  religious  professions  of  both  father 
and  mother,  (they  being  of  different  persuasions,) 
and  being  a  seeker,  fell  in  with  the  Baptists,  and 
liked  them  so  well  he  was  near  joining  them;  but  a 
Friend,  a  neighbour,  being  dead,  it  so  happened  that 
he  was  invited  to  the  burial,  where  that  worthy 
minister  of  the  gospel,  Francis  Stamper,  of  London, 
being  led  to  speak  with  life  and  power  directly  to 
his  state,  it  made  such  deep  impressions  on  his  ten- 
der mind,  that  put  him  upon  search  into  the  princi- 
ples of  Friends,  and  being  fully  satisfied,  joined  with 
them  in  the  seventeenth  year  of  his  age. 

About  the  eighteenth  year  of  his  age,  he  came 
forth  in  the  ministry,  and  being  faithful  he  grew  in 
his  gift,  so  that  in  some  time  he  travelled  to  visit 
Friends  in  the  north  of  England  and  Scotland;  after 
which  he  was  concerned  to  visit  Friends  in  Ame- 
rica, and  having  the  unity  of  the  brethren,  em- 
barked in  the  year  1700,  and  was  enabled  by  the 
great  hand  that  drew  him  forth,  to  perform  that  ser- 


161 

vice  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  Friends,  and  the  re- 
ward of  peace  in  himself. 

Being  then,  and  for  some  time  after,  freed  from 
any  concern  to  travel  in  the  service  of  Truth,  we 
were  married  to  each  other,  viz:  on  the  first  day  of 
the  Tenth-month,  1702,  and  settled  at  Haddonfield, 
in  the  county  of  Gloucester,  and  western  division 
of  the  province  of  New  Jersey.  In  the  fore  part  of 
his  time  he  travelled  pretty  much;  but  in  the  latter 
part  he  was  troubled  with  an  infirmity  in  his  head, 
which  rendered  him  unfit  for  the  service;  and  his 
good  master,  that  requires  no  impossibilities  of  his 
servants,  favoured  him  with  being  very  easy  at 
home;  where,  through  mercy,  we  lived  very  com- 
fortably: for  I  will  venture  to  say,  few,  if  any,  in 
a  married  state,  ever  lived  in  sweeter  harmony  than 
we  did.  Oh!  he  was  a  sweet  companion,  indeed! 
a  loving  tender  husband;  an  humble  exemplary 
man;  a  pattern  of  moderation  in  all  things;  not  lifted 
up  with  any  enjoyments,  nor  cast  down  at  disap- 
pointments. Oh,  what  shall  I  say  of  him,  but  that 
he  was  a  man  endowed  with  many  good  gifts,  which 
rendered  him  very  agreeable  to  his  friends,  and 
much  more  to  me,  his  wife.  My  loss  is  as  far  be- 
yond my  expressing,  as  is  his  worth. 

Now  after  some  years,  (as  before  is  observed,)  of 
indisposition,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to  restore  him  to 
a  state  of  health,  and  soon  after  he  had  a  concern  to 
visit  Friends  at  Tortola.  This  brought  on  him  a 
deep  exercise,  but  when  he  was  confirmed  it  was 
really  required  of  hini  so  to  do,  he  gave  up  to  it; 
home,  and  the  company  there,  which  used  to  be  so 
pleasant  to  him,  he  was  then  weaned  from.  He 
first  wrote  to  them,  but  finding  this  would  not  ex- 
cuse him,  he  durst  no  longer  delay,  but  go  he  must. 
So  on  the  13th  of  the  8th  Month,  1742,  we  parted 
14* 


162 

in  the  aboundings  of  love  and  affection  on  that  oc- 
casion. 

And  now,  the  most  acceptable  account  I  can  give 
the  reader  of  his  service  in  Tortola,  is  extracted 
from  two  letters  which  I  received  from  a  friend  of 
that  place,  directed  to  me,  and  to  the  effect  follow- 
ing, viz:  That  on  the  8th  of  the  9th  ^onth,  1732, 
he  arrived  at  the  house  of  John  Pickering,  with  his 
companion  John  Cadwalader,  where  they  were  re- 
ceived with  much  love  and  great  joy,  being  made  to 
rejoice  together  in  the  tender  mercies  and  love  of 
God,  which  was  greatly  manifested  that  day,  to  the 
honour  and  praise  of  his  great  name,  and  also  to  the 
comforting  of  his  poor  people.  The  testimonies  of 
these  servants  of  the  Lord  were  with  life  and  power, 
and  were  as  clouds  filled  with  rain  upon  a  thirsty 
land. 

But  to  be  more  particular  concerning  thy  dear 
husband,  whose  memory  is  dear  and  precious  to  me, 
and  many  more  whose  hearts  were  open  to  receive 
the  glad  tidings  which  he  brought.  His  godly  life 
and  conversation  spoke  him  to  be  a  true  follower  of 
the  Lamb  and  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  whom  he 
freely  preached,  and  by  the  effectual  power  of  whose 
divine  love,  was  called  forth  to  our  assistance,  for 
which  we  bless,  praise,  and  magnify  the  God  of  all 
our  mercies;  and  as  a  faithful  messenger,  with  much 
love,  in  a  tender  frame  of  spirit,  would  he  invite  all 
to  the  fountain  which  had  healed  him.  0!  the  deep 
humility  that  appeared  in  him  in  the  time  of  his 
public  testimony;  and  when  in  private  conversation 
with  his  near  and  dear  friends,  as  he  often  said  we 
were  to  him,  how  cheerful  and  pleasant  would  he 
be  in  that  blessed  freedom  wherein  Christ  had  made 
him  free.  Innocent,  harmless,  of  a  cheerful  coun- 
tenance, yet  not  without  a  christian  gravity  well 
becoming  the  doctrine  he  preached.     He  was  va- 


163 

liant  for  the  truth  to  the  last,  and  though  he  is  gone 
to  his  grave,  his  memory  is  sweet  and  precious. 

He  had  his  health  very  well  until  the  death  of 
his  dear  companion;  but  going  to  his  burial,  we  were 
caught  in  a  shower  of  rain,  which  we,  and  he,  be- 
lieved was  the  occasion  of  his  illness.  However,  he 
was  mightily  favoured  with  the  divine  presence, 
which  enabled  him  to  answer  the  service  of  that 
day;  and  the  next,  being  the  first  day  of  the  week, 
we  had  a  blessed  meeting,  the  Lord's  presence  ac- 
companying us;  and  though  thy  dear  husband  was 
so  near  his  end,  his  candle  shined  as  bright  as  ever, 
and  many  that  beheld  it,  were  made  to  glorify  God 
on  his  behalf.  This  was  the  last  opportunity  on 
this  island,  save  his  farewell  upon  his  dying  bed, 
where  he  both  preached  and  prayed,  a  little  before 
his  departure^ 

On  the  next  day,  being  the  second  of  the  week, 
he  went  to  a  little  island  called  Jos  Vandicks,- ac- 
companied with  several  friends;  but  on  the  3d  day 
in  the  morning  he  complained  very  much,  yet  was 
enabled  to  go  to  meeting,  where  were  a  pretty  many 
people  waiting  to  hear  the  word  of  life  declared,  and 
a  blessed  opportunity  we  had  together,  to  the  ten- 
dering and  melting  our  hearts  into  a  heavenly 
frame. 

But  he,  who  never  spared  his  labour  whilst 
amongst  us,  extending  his  voice  as  a  trumpet  of  the 
Lord's  own  sounding,  was  so  inwardly  spent  he 
was  ready  to  faint.  However,  he  went  on  board 
the  sloop  that  afternoon,  and  next  morning  came 
ashore  at  our  house;  where  he  had  not  been  long, 
before  a  shivering  fit  seized  him,  and  a  fever  soon 
followed,  which  kept  its  constant  course  every  day. 
This  being  the  1st  day  of  the  10th  month,  he  took 
great  notice  that  it  ended  forty  years  since  his  mar- 
riage with  thee;  that  during  that  time  you  had  lived 


164 

in  much  love,  and  parted  in  the  same;  and  that  thou 
wast  his  greatest  concern  of  all  outward  enjoyments. 
And  though  the  last  two  days  he  was  in  much  pain, 
yet  he  was  preserved  under  it  in  much  patience  and 
resignation,  and  had  his  perfect  senses  to  the  last, 
exhorting  Friends  to  faithfulness,  &c.  And  on  the 
6th  day  of  the  10th  month,  about  6  o'clock  at  night, 
he  went  away  like  a  lamb,  with  praises  and  thanks- 
givings in  his  lips  but  about  two  minutes  before. 
— Thus  far  from  the  said  letters. 

And  thus  finished  this  dear  worthy  in  the  67th 
year  of  his  age,  at  the  house  of  William  Thomas, 
on  the  island  of  Tortola;  highly  favoured  by  his 
great  and  good  God  in  the  very  extreme  moments; 
the  consideration  whereof,  and  the  account  given  of 
his  service,  afibrd  me,  at  times,  some  relief;  but, 
alas!  my  wound  is  so  deep,  nothing  but  the  healing 
balm  from  above  can  effect  my  cure.  My  loss  is  in- 
expressible; yet,  since  it  is  the  will  of  the  Almighty, 
it  becomes  me  to  submit,  though  it  be  hard  so  to  do. 

Oh!  a  sweet  and  blessed  end,  indeed!  to  go  away 
as  in  raptures  of  life,  gathered  by  the  Almighty  as 
a  choice  flower,  in  full  perfection  and  fragrancy! 
For  sure,  few,  if  any  man,  ever  left  a  sweeter 
savour,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  than  he  has  done. 
Having  lived  beloved,  is  gone  lamented  in  general; 
and  therefore  it  is  no  wonder  that  I,  who  am  so 
much  the  greatest  loser,  lament  and  bemoan  my 
great,  m}'  great  loss!  And  yet,  in  the  midst  of  all, 
I  have  a  secret  satisfaction  in  that  I  was  enabled  to 
give  him  up  (though  so  dear  to  me),  unto  the  ser- 
vice into  which  he  was  called.  This  is  but  just  a 
hint  for  those  who  may  be  under  the  like  exercise 
and  trial,  that  they  may  not  hold  back,  but  submit, 
and  freely  give  up  their  all,  leaving  the  consequence 
to  the  wise  disposing  hand,  who  knows  for  what 
cause  it  is  He  is  pleased  so  nearly  to  try  his  people, 


165 

some  with  life  itself,  others  near  it,  and  the  cause 
yet  hid. 

Elizabeth  Estaugh. 

Haddonjield^  in  New  Jersey^ 
the  bth  of  Uh  mo.  1743. 


The  Testimony  of  Friends  of  the  Monthly  Meet- 
ing at  Haddonfield,  concerning  our  dear  Friend, 
John  Estaugh,  deceased. 

Our  worthy  friend  having  been  a  faithful  labourer 
in  the  work  of  the  gospel  amongst  us  great  part  of 
forty  years;  and  many  of  us  knowing  by  good  ex- 
perience the  effects  of  his  service,  we  find  ourselves 
engaged  to  give  in  this  testimony  on  his  behalf,  viz: 
that  by  and  through  the  divine  virtue  and  power  by 
which  he  was  first  reached  and  wrought  upon,  he 
was  early  called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and 
made  a  chosen  vessel  fitted  to  hold  the  heavenly 
treasure  which  dwelt  plentifully  in  him.  A  true 
gospel  minister,  dividing  the  word  aright;  his  doc- 
trine at  times  having  dropped  as  dew,  and  his  speech 
distilled  as  the  small  rain  upon  the  tender  plants, 
Deut.  c.  xxxii.  v.  2.  A  man  of  great  humility  and 
compassion,  sympathising  with  the  afflicted  in  body 
or  mind;  being  sometimes  enabled,  as  with  healing 
oil,  to  comfort  the  sorrowful,  the  heavy-hearted  and 
sincere  seekers  of  Christ  Jesus.  In  this  he  had  an 
extraordinary  talent;  and  yet,  on  the  other  hand, 
was  close  in  his  reproofs  and  exhortations  to  the 
careless  and  disobedient,  of  which  the  following 
sheets  are  a  specimen. 

He  was  zealous  for  preserving  good  order  in  the 
church,  and  for  maintaining  love  and  unity,  that 
badge  of  true  discipleship. 

Oh !  we  are  sensibly  and  sorrowfully  affected  with 


166 

our  loss;  and  yet  we  must  not  repine;  nor  dare  we 
say  to  the  Almighty,  What  doest  thou? 

Since  his  first  settlement  among  us,  he  visited 
England,  Ireland,  and  New-England,  and  the  West 
India  Islands  several  times.  And  when  at  home, 
as  he  had  some  skill  in  chemistry  and  physic,  he 
freely  bestowed  much  labour  and  time  therein,  for 
the  good  of  the  people  of  the  neighbourhood  where 
he  dwelt;  and  especially  on  the  poor,  for  whom  he 
was  much  concerned;  so  that  it  may  justly  be  said, 
the  blessing  of  those  who  were  ready  to  perish  came 
upon  him,  Job  c.  xxix.  v.  13. 

The  last  visit  that  he  made  was  to  the  island  of 
Tortola,  where,  after  his  service  was  over,  he  was 
taken  sick,  and  departed  this  life.  And  we  make 
no  doubt  but  that  he  is  in  the  fruition  of  that  glory 
and  happiness  which  will  never  have  an  end.  Al- 
mighty God,  if  it  be  consistent  with  his  divine  will, 
raise  up,  spirit  and  employ  more  such  faithful  la- 
bourers in  his  harvest,  {Mat.  c.  ix.  v.  38,)  to  the 
gathering  of  many  to  himself;  and  that  praise  and 
honour  may  be  ascribed  to  his  great  name,  who  is 
worthy  both  now  and  forever. 

Haddonfield,  the  9th  day  of  the  11th  month,  1743. 
Signed  in  and  on  behalf,  and  by  directions  of  the 
said  meeting,  by 

Joshua  Lord,  Timothy  Matlack, 

Josiah  Foster,  Thomas  Redman, 

Samuel  Lippincott,  Ephraim  Tomlinson, 

John  Hollingshead,  John  Wood, 

Joseph  Heritage,  Joseph  Kaighn, 

Joseph  Cooper,  Ebenezer  Hopkins. 


167 


In  memory  q/"  Sarah  F.  Corlies,  deceased. 

Ah!  what  avails  my  pen  to  tell, 

The  living  worth  that  used  to  dwell 
In  this  fair  tenement  of  clay, 
Whose  brighter  part  has  soared  away, 

In  endless  bliss  to  dwell? 

Though  earth  this  beauteous  frame  confine, 
Still  shall  her  memory  ever  shine — 
Sweet  records  of  her  deeds  divine, 

In  many  a  heart  shall  glow. 
The  poor  within  their  lone  recess, 
The  widow'd  heart  shall  weep,  and  bless 

The  friend  of  want  and  woe. 
And  many  an  orphan  tear  shall  shine 
Dear  saint!  as  they  remember  thine. 

Still  the  wide  earth  is  all  the  Lord's, 
And  he  each  bounteous  gift  affords; 

His  blessings  o'er  the  world  distils; 
His  the  rich  bounties  of  the  flood. 
The  air,  the  mountain,  and  the  wood, 

And  cattle  of  a  thousand  hills. 

And  though  thy  stewardship  is  o'er, 
And  thou  hast  gain'd  the  rich  reward; 

Yet  He,  whose  influence  fill'd  thy  breast, 

With  feeling  for  the  poor  distress'd. 

May  by  another,  make  them  bless'd. 
For  He  alone  is  Lord. 

Oh!  may  He  make  thy  child  his  care. 
May  he  his  mother's  mantle  wear! 
And  thy  lov'd  partner,  left  behind, 
A  portion  of  thy  spirit  bear. 

Sarah  F.  Corlies  was  a  daughter  of  Samuel  R.  Fisher,  of 
Philadelphia,  and  the  wife  of  Jacob  W.  Corlies.  She  left  an 
infant  son,  named  Samuel  Fisher  Corlies,  after  having  en- 
joyed the  marriage  connection  with  her  "loved  partner,"  about 
seventeen  months. 


168- 


%^  Memorial  concerning  my  beloved  wife^  Hannah 
Smith. 

Besides  the  motive  of  preserving  some  sketches 
of  the  life  and  death  of  a  dear  companion  for  the 
benefit  of  our  offspring,  I  am  induced  to  attempt 
this  description  for  the  instruction  of  others  who 
were  not  acquainted  with  the  living  pattern;  and 
those  few  who  were  intimately  so,  will,  I  trust,  ac- 
knowledge that  it  is  short  of  what  might  have  been 
justly  said  on  the  subject. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  Logan, 
and  born  at  Philadelphia  on  the  21st  of  12th  month, 
1719-20.  By  the  care  of  her  parents,  she  was  in 
a  great  measure  preserved  from  the  common  levi- 
ties incident  to  early  youth,  and  by  the  opportuni- 
ties of  improvement  afterwards,  she  acquired  such 
qualifications  as  gained  her  much  respect  and  esteem ; 
and  though  the  affluent  circumstances  in  which  her 
parents  were  placed,  yielded  flattering  prospects  of 
the  ease  and  gayety  of  the  world,  the  durable  riches 
of  true  religion  appeared  to  her  a  treasure  of  much 
more  consequence,  and  as  such  of  too  great  value  to 
be  relinquished  for  the  pride  of  shadows  and  delights 
that  die  in  the  enjoyment.  Thus  at  a  period  when 
the  slippery  paths  of  vanity  in  a  succession  of  in- 
creasing allurements  are  apt  to  ensnare  youthful 
minds,  it  pleased  the  Divine  Being  to  bless  her  en- 
deavours against  the  temptation  of  vain  and  unpro- 
fitable company,  though  of  the  politer  sort,  and  to 
strengthen  her  love  to  inward  retirement  and  recol- 
lection; and  having  tasted  the  visitations  of  divine 
love  to  her  soul,  she  saw  it  was  the  pearl  of  great 


price,  and  that  her  all  must  go  to  purchase  the  field 
in  which  it  lay;  and  from  this  time  forward  I  have 
reason  to  think  this  purchase  became  the  principal 
business  of  her  life,  and  that  she  endeavoured  to 
stick  to  the  terms  with  great  sincerity  and  ardour, 
carefully  avoiding  occasions  of  interruption,  and 
studying  much  to  have  all  those  disquieting  affec- 
tions silenced  which  arise  from  temporal  objects, 
and  are  too  apt  to  mingle  with,  and  sometimes  mis- 
lead, good  intentions;  and  as  she  was  helped  to  keep 
here,  she  at  times  knew  the  breathing  of  heart  an- 
swered; the  blessed  Jesus  broke  the  bread  of  life 
unto  her,  and  satisfied  her  soul  with  the  joys  of  his 
salvation,  which  increased  her  care  over  her  words 
and  deportment,  that  nothing  might  cancel  her  in- 
terest in  the  great  object  of  her  love  and  hope,  or 
incapacitate  her  from  rendering  back  in  some  de- 
gree the  fruits  of  his  own  planting.  Such  was  the 
situation  in  which  I  found  her.  When  our  nearer 
acquaintance  commenced,  she  was  uncommonly 
scrupulous  respecting  any  proposals  which  might 
be  likely  to  engage  her  in  the  hurries  of  a  family, 
lest  she  might  be  led  into  a  neglect  of  her  inward 
pursuits.  She  paused  with  a  religious  solicitude, 
and  waited  for  clearness  in  her  own  mind  as  to  a 
marriage  engagement,  until  her  doubts  were  re- 
moved. 

We  were  happily  married  at  Germantown  meet- 
ing on  the  7th  of  the  10th  month,  1748,  from  that 
time  she  always  continued  to  take  suitable  oppor- 
tunities of  retirement,  and  to  read  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures; but  without  lessening  the  proper  concern 
about  family  affairs,  in  the  prudent  direction  of 
which  few  could  exceed  her;  and  in  the  duties  of 
friendship  and  good  neighbourhood.  In  the  relations 
of  child,  wife,  and  mother,  she  was  tenderly  and 
anxiously  careful  to  fill  up  her  place;  and  having 
15 


170 

herself  had  the  benefit  of  an  excellent  mother's  ex- 
ample, she  tried  to  follow  her  as  well  in  her  general 
conduct  as  in  the  more  private  endearments  of  fa- 
mily order  and  harmony.  She  was  a  candid  inter- 
preter of  the  conduct  of  her  acquaintance;  she  did 
not  indulge  a  curiosity  to  know,  much  less  to  med- 
dle with,  other  people's  concerns,  and  possessed  a 
painful  sensibility  at  any  conversation  introduced  at 
the  expense  of  the  reputation  of  absent  persons,  and 
often  wished  that  the  ingenuities  sometimes  be- 
stowed that  way  might  be  employed  in  the  improve- 
ment rather  than  the  faults  of  mankind. 

In  the  beginning  of  1756,  she  became  apprehen- 
sive that  it  was  required  of  her  to  speak  in  our  pub- 
lic meetings,  this  occasioned  much  inward  conflict, 
having  been  always  fearful  of  discrediting  religion 
by  appearing  more  in  show  than  in  substance.  At 
length,  however,  she  gave  up  to  what  she  believed 
duty;  and  I  am  well  assured  that  both  her  engaging 
and  continuing  in  that  service  was  in  much  simpli- 
city of  heart,  and  in  godly  sincerity.  Her  first  ap- 
pearance in  that  way  was  at  Burlington,  and  while 
we  lived  there  she  joined  with  other  Friends  in 
visiting  families  in  several  parts  of  that  Monthly 
Meeting,  and  divers  times  accompanied  some  of  her 
own  sex  of  greater  experience  in  the  ministry,  in 
visiting  several  Yearly  Meetings  in  the  adjacent 
provinces;  and  after  our  return  to  Philadelphia, 
which  was  about  half  a  year  before  her  departure, 
she  continued  to  attend  religious  meetings  with  as 
much  diligence  as  the  weakness  of  her  constitution 
would  admit,  and  when  there  to  clear  herself  of 
what  she  thought  required  of  her.  During  the 
time  of  her  last  illness,  she  told  me  several  times 
she  believed  she  should  not  recover;  and  though  her 
bodily  pain  was  at  times  very  sharp,  she  was  fa- 
voured with  an  entire  confidence  in  the  mercy  of 


171 

God  through  Jesus  Christ,  whom  she  found  to  be  a 
refuge  in  the  day  of  distress.  Once  acquainting  me 
with  great  sweetness  of  spirit  of  the  state  of  her 
mind,  she  said,  "Notwithstanding  the  close  trials  I 
undergo,  my  foundation  remains  sure,  and  I  have  a 
hope,  yea,  an  unshaken  hope,  that  there  is  a  place  of 
rest  prepared  for  me."  At  another  time  she  men- 
tioned, that  the  prospect  of  her  change  being  near, 
continued  and  begged  me  to  strive  for  resignation 
to  the  Divine  will  respecting  her;  for,  said  she,  I 
am  easy.  I  feel  no  guilt.  A  few  evenings  before 
her  decease,  as  I  sat  by  her  bed  side,  she  desired  that 
our  own  children,  and  all  that  w^ere  about  her,  might 
keep  as  still  as  possible,  when  she  expired,  then 
mentioned  several  other  things  relative  thereto,  and 
told  me  that  all  anxiety  respecting  the  nearest  en- 
joyments of  this  life,  was  removed  from  her;  that 
she  felt  pardon  and  forgiveness  for  all  omissions  of 
duty,  and  concluded  this  very  affecting  conversation 
in  these  words:  '*0h,  the  infinite,  loving  kindness, 
of  a  merciful  God,  who  has  made  such  a  poor  crea- 
ture as  I  am  so  rich  in  faith,  and  firm  hope  that  I 
shall  be  accepted  of  him." 

She  departed  this  life  on  the  18th,  and  was  de- 
cently interred  on  the  23d  of  the  12th  month,  1761 ; 
and  as  it  was  the  chief  desire  of  her  heart  to  live  in 
the  power  and  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  did  con- 
fess him  by  an  humble,  meek,  and  pious  conduct,  I 
have  a  reverent  confidence  that  she  now  enjoys  his 
blessed  promise  of  being  owned  by  him  before  his 
Father  and  the  Holy  Angels. 

John  Smith. 


172 


Some  account  o/"  John  Smith,  towards  the  close  of 
his  life,  by  his  daughter,  H.  Smith,  who  after- 
wards became  the  wife  of  John  Cox,  of  Bur- 
lington, now  living,  a  respected,  valued  minis- 
ter of  Christ. 

the  actions  of  the  just 


Smell  sweet,  and  blossom  in  the  dust." 

Memorandum  taken  by  Hannah  Smith,  two  days 
after  the  decease  of  her  loved  and  beloved  father, 
vrhose  death  was  of  a  sweet  savour,  and  we  had  the 
company  of  others  who  had  a  sight  and  sense  of  a 
happy  state  into  which  the  immortal  soul  was  en- 
tered. 

After  a  lingering  illness  of  about  seven  months, 
my  dear  father  departed  this  life  on  the  26th  of  the 
3d  month,  1771,  on  the  3d  day  of  the  week,  about 
5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Being  full  of  love  and 
sweetness  in  his  dying  hours.  The  same  patience 
and  christian  resignation  in  which  he  had  lived  at- 
tending him  to  the  close  of  life.  Though  through 
pain  and  sickness  he  was  much  worn,  and  had,  for 
some  days  before  this  awful  change,  taken  but  little 
nourishment.  Yet  we  thought  he  might  have  held 
it  for  some  time;  but  on  first  day  he  was  suddenly 
seized  by  a  fainting  fit,  from  which  he  recovered 
and  survived  about  48  hours.  After  this  fit,  I  be- 
lieve he  thought  the  hour  was  near  when  we  should 
take  our  last  farewell,  and  told  me  to  fortify  my 
mind.  And  the  next  day  said,  he  thought  he  was 
going.  Seeing  me  afiected,  he  said,  be  not  too  much 
oppressed,  thou  art  very  near  my  heart.  He  called 
his  youngest  son,  also,  and  said,  this  boy  behaved 


17a 

to  him  satisfactorily — my  boy  behaves  pretty  to  me — 
the  eldest  then  in  Barbadoes.  There  is  a  short, 
lively  testimony  concerning  him  from  Burlington 
Monthly  Meeting.  He  told  us,  that  Divine  Mercy 
was  near  him,  and  expressed  the  ease  of  his  mind, 
telling  us,  he  had  nothing  to  say,  but  that  he  left  us 
in  love,  and  wished  the  divine  blessing  upon  us. 
He  spoke  sweetly  soothing  this  day  to  several,  and 
in  the  evening  expressed  his  belief  that  his  time  was 
short,  and  that  he  had  expected  to  have  gone  last 
tide,  but  added,  he  did  not  know  how  it  might  be 
the  next.  As  I  was  sitting  near  him  by  the  bed- 
side, he  looked  up  and  said.  Who's  this?  my  child; 
and  took  a  very  affectionate  notice  of  me,  which 
was  the  last.  He  lived  till  the  next  day,  when  it 
pleased  Divine  Providence  to  give  him  an  easy 
passage  out  of  this  world;  and  I  believe  his  spirit  is 
now  arrived  at  the  blissful  mansions  prepared  by 
our  great  Creator  for  those  who  do  his  will  in  this 
state  of  probation.  On  the  29th  we  followed  our 
dear  parent's  remains  to  the  grave,  where  they  were 
decently  interred  in  Friends'  burying  ground  at 
Burlington.  He  was  aged  48  years  and  about  two 
months. 

My  dear  father  was  a  man  universally  beloved; 
humble,  affable,  kind,  and  courteous.  He  was  a 
most  tender,  affectionate  parent,  earnestly  desiring 
that  his  children  might  seek  for  the  blessing  of 
Providence,  by  walking  humbly  before  him,  and 
making  a  proper  use  of  the  blessings  he  was  pleased 
to  favour  them  with — preferring  religion  and  vir- 
tue to  all  things.  Sweet,  happy  spirit!  now  fled  to 
the  regions  of  immortal  joy  and  felicity.  0  that 
we  that  are  left  may  so  live,  as  that  when  it  shall 
please  Divine  Wisdom  to  summons  us  also,  we  may 
be  ready  to  meet  our  beloved  parents  in  the  man- 
sions  of  bliss. 
15* 


174 


James  Logan  to  his  son  William,  on  his  voyage 
to  Bristol.     Sent  to  him  at  Chester, 

Philadelphia,  4th  of  5th  mo.  1730. 

Dear  Child, — Thy  parents,  who  have  always 
shown  a  tender  regard  over  thee  for  thy  good,  have 
now  sent  thee  abroad  to  a  great  distance  for  thy 
greater  good;  and  thou  art  going  to  an  affectionate 
uncle  and  a  tender  master,  who  will  take  so  much 
care  of  thee,  that  we  hope  thou  wilt  find  no  loss  in 
being  thus  parted  for  a  time  from  us;  we  desire 
thee,  therefore,  to  bear  this  remove  manfully  and 
with  courage,  knowing  that  nothing  but  thy  real 
good  is  designed  by  it;  and  if  thou  follow  the  ad- 
vice that  has  been  repeatedly  given  thee,  thou  wilt, 
with  God's  blessing,  reap  great  advantage  from  the 
present  voyage. 

But  to  obtain  this  blessing,  thou  must  carefully 
discharge  thy  duty,  the  heads  of  which  I  shall  here 
briefly  sum  up  to  thee,  which  I  desire  thee  to  read 
so  constantly,  that  it  may  forever  be  deeply  fixed 
in  thy  memory,  and  that  these  precepts  may  always 
be  in  thy  mind  and  before  thee. 

Remember,  first,  that  thou  art  formed  by  the  Al- 
mighty power  that  created  all  things,  that  thou  art 
daily  supported  by  his  providence,  thou  must  there- 
fore, evening  and  morning,  constantly  pray  to  him 
in  thy  heart  to  preserve  thee,  to  guide  and  direct 
thee,  and  enable  thee  to  perform  his  will  at  all 
times.  At  thy  book,  and  at  thy  diversion,  so  be- 
have thyself  as  to  show  thou  art  sensible  that  thou 


175 

art  never  out  of  his  sight,  and  duly  frequent  meet- 
ings. Be  dutiful  and  olDedient  to  thy  uncle  and 
aunt,  and  to  thy  master  or  masters,  honestly  doing 
every  thing  that  thou  know  they  expect  and  desire 
from  thee.  Be  careful  not  to  offend  in  thy  speech, 
speak  evil  of  no  person,  tell  tales  of  nobody,  except 
where  it  is  thy  duty  to  make  an  ill  thing  known. 
Be  obliging  to  all,  avoid  a  lie  as  death,  and  neither 
let  fear  or  advantage  ever  tempt  thee  to  be  guilty 
of  that  scandalous  and  horrible  sin.  Keep  no  com- 
pany but  such  as  are  sober;  if  thou  fall  at  any  time 
amongst  rude  boys,  leave  them  as  soon  as  thou  canst. 
Quarrel  with  none,  but  if  any  abuse  thee  without 
cause,  suffer  not  thyself,  if  thou  canst  prevent  it,  to  be 
too  much  imposed  upon;  yet,  as  far  as  possible,  avoid 
all  contention.  Be  neat  and  cleanly  in  thy  clothes 
and  person,  neither  proud  nor  a  sloven.  Be  modest 
in  thy  behaviour,  mannerly  and  respectful  to  all, 
but  especially  to  thy  elders  and  superiors.  Be  very 
diligent  at  thy  book,  endeavour  to  understand  what 
thou  reads  or  art  taught,  and  strive  to  remember  it 
ever  after.  Think  it  a  shame  not  to  understand  and 
speak  Latin;  after  thou  hast  taken  so  much  pains 
for  it,  improve  thy  hand  in  writing,  and  endeavour 
at  proper  times  hereafter,  to  be  perfect  in  arithme- 
tic as  far  as  Division,  before  thou  art  fifteen;  and 
afterwards  thou  may  learn  all  the  rest.  Pick  out 
all  the  finest  sayings  thou  meet  with  in  authors, 
and  write  them  down  in  a  handsome  book,  then 
commit  them  carefully  to  thy  memory,  that  thou 
may'st  keep  them  all  thy  life  long.  Do  the  same 
when  thou  hears  any  thing  told  that  is  useful  and 
pleasant,  for  this  will  be  a  great  help  to  thee  here- 
after. Remember  and  observe  carefully  these  few 
precepts,  and  then  God  thy  Heavenly  Father,  I 
hope,  will  bless  thee  with  true  peace  and  comfort  in 
thyself,  with  the  love  and  esteem  of  good  people. 


176 

and  with  everlasting  happiness.  That  thou  may'st 
attain  this,  dear  child,  and  that  the  Lord  may  pre- 
serve thee  now  and  for  ever,  is  the  earnest  desire 
and  prayer  of 

Thy  affectionate  father, 

James  LoaAN. 


177 


To  the  memory  of  the  late  Joseph  Brown, 

Of  Sotherdal,  England,  one  of  the  people  called 
Quakers,  who  had  suffered  a  long  confinement  in 
the  Castle  of  York,  with  the  loss  of  all  his  worldly- 
property,  for  conscience-sake. 

By  one  who  had  been  his  fellow  prisoner,* 

"Spirit,  leave  thine  house  of  clay, 

Lingering  dust,  resign  thy  breath! 
Spirit,  cast  thy  chains  away. 

Dust,  be  thou  dissolved  in  death!" 

Thus  thy  guardian  angel  spoke. 

As  he  watch'd  thy  dying  bed; 
As  the  bonds  of  life  he  broke, 

And  the  ransom'd  captive  fled. 

"Prisoner,  long  detained  below! 

Prisoner,  now  with  freedom  bless'd! 
Welcome,  from  a  world  of  woe — 

Welcome  to  a  land  of  rest." 

Thus  thy  guardian  angel  sung. 

As  he  bore  thy  soul  on  high; 
While  with  Hallelujahs  rang, 

All  the  region  of  the  sky. 

Ye  that  mourn  a  father's  loss; 

Ye  that  weep  a  friend  no  more! 
Call  to  mind  the  christian  cross. 

Which  your  friend,  your  father  bore. 

Grief,  and  penury,  and  pain. 

Still  attended  on  his  way. 
And  oppression's  scourge,  and  chain, 

More  unmerciful  than  they. 

*  "A  Printer  at  Sheffield,  who  was  in  the  Castle  at  the  same 
time,  though  not  a  member  of  the  said  Society." 


178 

'^et,  while  travelling  in  distress, 
('Twas  the  eldest  curse  of  sin,) 

Through  the  world's  waste  wilderness. 
He  had  a  Paradise  within. 

And  along  that  vale  of  tears, 

Which  his  humble  footsteps  trod, 

Still  the  shining  path  appears, 
Where  the  mourner  walk'd  with  God; 

Till  his  Master  from  above. 

When  the  promis'd  hour  was  come, 

Sent  the  chariot  of  his  love. 
To  conduct  the  wanderer  home. 

Saw  ye  not  the  wheels  of  fire. 
And  the  steeds  that  cleft  the  wind] 

Saw  ye  not  his  soul  aspire. 

When  his  mantle  dropp'd  behind? 

Ye  that  caught  it,  as  it  fell, 

Bind  that  mantle  on  your  breast. 

So  in  you  his  meekness  dwell. 
So  on  you  his  spirit  rest. 

Yet  rejoicing  in  his  lot. 

Still  shall  memory  love  to  weep. 

O'er  the  venerable  spot, 
Where  his  dear  cold  relics  sleep. 

Grave,  the  guardian  of  his  dust! 

Grave,  the  treasury  of  the  skies! 
Every  atom  of  thy  trust. 

Rest  in  hope,  again  to  rise. 

Hark!  the  judgment  trumpet  calls, 
"Soul  rebuild  thy  house  of  clay;" 

And  immortal  be  thy  walls. 
And  eternal  be  thy  day. 

Sheffield,  July  11,  1803. 


179 


Parson  Peters  to  Anthony  Benezet. 

The  following  lines  were  written  by  Parson  Pe- 
ters to  Anthony  Benezet,  who  lent  him  Bar- 
clay's Apology,  (who  before  had  entertained  a  mean 
opinion  of  the  Quakers  and  their  principles,)  re- 
turned it  with  these  lines. 

For  Barclay's  learned  Apology  is  due 
My  hearty  thanks  and  gratitude  to  you. 
The  more  I  read,  the  more  my  wonders  rais'd, 
I  view'd  him  often,  and  as  often  prais'd. 
Commanding  reason  through  the  whole  design, 
And  thoughts  sublime  appear  in  every  line; 
Sure  some  benignant  spirit  did  inspire, 
His  pregnant  genius  with  celestial  fire. 
In  what  he  writes  seems  more  than  man  to  be, 
Throughout  the  whole  of  his  divinity. 
Long  had  I  censur'd  with  contemptuous  rage, 
And  curs'd  your  tenets  with  the  foolish  age; 
Thought  nothing  could  appear  in  your  defence, 
Till  Barclay  shone  with  all  the  rays  of  sense; 
His  works  at  least  shall  make  me  moderate  prove, 
And  those  who  practice  what  he  teaches,  love. 
With  the  censorious  world  no  more  I'll  sin. 
In  damning  those  who  own  the  light  within; 
If  they  can  see  with  Barclay's  piercing  eyes, 
The  world  may  deem  them  fools,  but  I  shall  think  them 
wise. 


180 


Samuel  Fothergill. 

The  substance  of  a  few  expressions  delivered  hy 
Samuel  Fothergill  to  some  of  his  relations, 
when  they  took  leave  of  him,  previous  to  their 
setting  out  for  the  Yearly  Meetiiig  in  London, 
1772. 

Our  health  is  no  more  at  our  command,  than 
length  of  days.  Mine  seems  drawing  fast  towards 
a  conclusion,  I  think;  but  I  am  content  with  every 
allotment  of  Providence,  for  they  are  all  in  wisdom 
— unerring  wisdom. 

There  is  one  thing,  w^hich,  as  an  arm  underneath, 
bears  up  and  supports;  and  though  the  rolling  tem- 
pestuous billows  surround,  yet  my  head  is  kept 
above  them,  and  my  feet  are  firmly  established.  Oh ! 
seek  it, — press  after  it, — lay  fast  hold  of  it. 

Though  painful  my  nights,  and  wearisome  my 
days,  yet  I  am  preserved  in  patience  and  resigna- 
tion. Death  has  no  terrors,  nor  will  the  grave  have 
any  victory.  My  soul  triumphs  over  death,  hell, 
and  the  grave. 

Husbands  and  wives,  parents  and  children,  health, 
and  riches,  must  all  go.  Disappointment  is  another 
name  for  them. 

I  should  have  been  thankful  had  I  been  able  to 
have  got  to  the  ensuing  Yearly  Meeting  in  London, 
which  you  are  now  going  to  attend,  where  I  have 
been  so  often  refreshed  with  my  brethren;  but  it  is 
otherwise  allotted.  I  shall  remember  them,  and  some 
of  them  will  remember  me.  The  Lord  knows  best 
what  is  best  for  us;  I  am  content,  and  resigned  to 
his  will. 


181 

I  feel  a  foretaste  of  the  joy  that  is  to  come;  and 
who  would  wish  to  change  such  a  state  of  mind? 

I  should  be  glad  if  an  easy  channel  could  be  found 
to  inform  the  yearly  Meeting,  that  as  I  have  lived, 
so  I  shall  close,  with  the  most  unshaken  assurance 
that  we  have  not  followed  cunningly  devised  fables, 
but  the  pure,  living,  eternal,  substance. 

Let  the  aged  be  strong;  let  the  middle-aged  be 
animated,  and  the  youth  encouraged;  for  the  Lord 
is  still  with  Sion — the  Lord  will  bless  Sion! 

If  I  be  now  removed  out  of  his  church  militant, 
where  I  have  endeavoured  in  some  measure  to  fill 
up  my  duty,  I  have  an  evidence  that  I  shall  gain  an 
admittance  into  his  glorious  church  triumphant,  far 
above  the  heavens. 

My  dear  love  is  to  all  them  that  love  the  Lord 
Jesus. 


16 


182 


On  Faithfulness  in  Little  Things. 

Translated  from  the  French  into  German,  and  thence  into 
English. 

The  opportunities  for  displaying  great  deeds  of 
goodness  are  rare,  and  when  they  do  present  them- 
selves, there  are  many  powerful  stimulants  to  kindle 
magnanimity  and  perseverance.  But  the  little  oc- 
casions to  stand  firm  in  the  cause  of  truth  come  upon 
us  inadvertently;  and  almost  every  moment  they 
render  it  necessary  for  us  without  ceasing  to  main- 
tain a  warfare  against  pride,  slothfulness,  and  a  do- 
mineering lordly  disposition;  against  precipitancy, 
impatience,  &c.  opposing  our  corrupt  wills  every 
where,  and  in  all  things.  If  we  will  be  faithful 
herein,  our  fallen  nature  will  have  no  spare  time  to 
draw  breath,  but  must  die  to  all  its  propensities. 

Supporting  a  life  of  godliness,  is  like  unto  suc- 
cessful management  and  economy  in  outw^ard  and 
domestic  affairs.  If  attention  is  not  paid  to  minute 
matters,  frugally  to  save,  and  avoid  unnecessary  ex- 
penses, there  is  a  greater  probability,  step  by  step, 
of  a  declension  in  point  of  property,  than  by  large 
undertakings  which  naturally  excite  caution.  He 
who  learns,  by  Divine  assistance,  to  make  a  right 
application  in  small  matters  of  a  spiritual  nature, 
will  not  fail  to  accumulate  much  treasure  as  well  as 
he  w^ho  is  attentive  in  temporal  concerns.  Great 
things  are  only  great  because  many  small  materials 
are  brought  and  combined  together — he  who  is  care- 
ful to  lose  nothing,  will  generally  increase  his 
wealth.     It  is  well  for  us  to  consider  that  it  is  not 


183 

so  much  what  we  do,  as  the  motives  of  love  in 
which  our  actions  originate,  and  surrendering  our 
own  wills;  this  it  is  alone  which  renders  our  good 
works  acceptable  in  the  Divine  sight.  People  judge 
of  our  actions  according  to  outward  observation,  but 
with  God  those  things  are  nothing,  which  in  the 
eyes  of  men  shine  with  great  lustre,  for  he  requires 
a  sincere  intention,  a  will  ready  to  bend  to  his  will 
on  all  occasions,  and  an  upright  entire  forsaking 
ourselves. 

Our  faith  is  tried  more  powerfully  in  common 
occurrences,  and  less  exposed  to  a  mixture  of  pride, 
than  in  uncommon  and  remarkable  concerns.  We 
also  find  that  we  are  many  times  more  attached  to 
certain  little  things  than  to  matters  of  moment — for 
instance,  some  would  find  it  much  easier  to  give 
generous  alms,  than  to  deny  themselves  a  favourite 
diversion.  Man  is  very  liable  to  become  beguiled 
by  little  things,  because  he  looks  on  them  as  matters 
of  indifierence,  and  imagines  himself  free  from  any 
powerful  attachment  to  them;  but  when  God  com- 
mands him  to  forsake  them,  he  finds  by  painful  ex- 
perience how  inordinate  and  unwarrantable  his  at- 
tachment to  and  practice  of  them  was;  besides, 
through  our  inattention  to  small  duties,  we  fre- 
quently give  offence  and  stumble  our  families,  and 
those  about  us;  for  people  cannot  believe  that  we 
fear  God  with  uprightness,  when  our  conduct  in 
small  concerns  is  immoderate  and  careless;  for  how 
can  an  observer  reconcile  the  idea  of  our  being  strong 
and  scrupulous  observers  of  important  duties  that 
require  the  greatest  sacrifices,  when  matters  of  small 
account  have  an  undue  ascendency  over  us;  but  the 
greatest  danger  herein  is,  that  the  soul  through  care- 
less indifference  in  lesser  things,  becomes  gradually 
accustomed  to  unfaithfulness,  grieves  the  Holy  Spi- 
rit, and  by  degrees  learns  to  account  it  a  matter  of 


184 

small  consequence  to  go  counter  to  the  will  of  God ; 
on  the  contrary,  true  love  esteems  nothing  indif- 
ferent; every  thing  capable  of  pleasing  or  displeas- 
ing God  appearing  great;  not  that  true  love  drives 
the  soul  into  a  slavish  fearful  scrupulousness,  but  it 
allows  of  no  particular  set  bounds  to  faithfulness;  it 
moves  the  mind  in  simplicity  to  pass  by  those  things 
that  God  doth  not  require,  but  does  not  hesitate  a 
moment  about  those  things  he  does  require,  be  they 
great  or  small;  so  that  our  obedience  in  small  mat- 
ters does  not  originate  from  a  forcible  terror  on  the 
mind;  it  all  arises  in  and  by  a  continual  current  and 
power  of  love,  free  from  those  slavish  fears  and  con- 
sultations, accompanying  restless,  anxious,  and  dis- 
tressed souls.  Man  is  drawn  into  the  way  of  his 
duty  through  love  to  God;  for  even  in  the  time  of 
greatest  trial,  when  the  spirit  of  truth  unceasingly 
urges  the  submissive  soul  step  by  step  in  the  ob- 
servance of  small  duties,  and  seems  about  to  divest 
it  of  all  freedom,  behold,  it  fmds  itself  on  a  wide 
plain,  and  enjoys  the  depth  of  peace  and  freedom  in 
him.      Oh!  how  happy  is  that  soul. 

Finally,  it  is  particularly  necessary  for  those  who 
are  naturally  of  an  inadvertent  and  unwatchful  dis- 
position to  be  mindful.  Man,  by  paying  little  re- 
gard to  small  duties,  becomes  accustomed  to  make 
no  account  of  them;  he  does  not  enough  consider 
the  lead  and  tendency  thereof;  he  does  not  enough 
view  the  almost  imperceptible  ascendency  and  assi- 
milation of  these  things  in  and  with  his  fallen  pro- 
pensities— he  forgets  the  compunction  and  remorse 
these  things  have  heretofore  occasioned:  he  had  ra- 
ther indulge  an  imaginary  idea  of  his  establishment, 
and  depend  on  his  own  judgment,  (which  has,  how- 
ever, ofttimes  deceived  him,)  than  to  settle  down 
into  a  constant,  diligent,  attentive  watchfulness.  We 
are  apt  to  say  it  is  a  little  thing,  it  is  nothing,  yea, 


185 

it  is  nothing! — but  it  is  such  a  nothing  on  which 
thy  all  depends — such  a  nothing  as  thou  so  inordi- 
nately lovest  as  to  cleave  to  it  in  preference  to  the 
will  of  God — such  a  nothing,  which  thou  wilt  de- 
spise in  words,  in  order  to  frame  an  excuse  for  thy 
non-observance  of  it;  but  in  the  ground  it  is  such  a 
nothing  which  thou  boldest  fast,  against  the  will  of 
God,  and  which,  if  continued  in,  will  bring  thee  to 
ruin. 

Despising  small  things  does  not,  as  some  assert, 
arise  from  greatness  of  mind,  but  far  otherwise, 
from  a  shortsightedness,  esteeming  things  small 
which  in  their  tendency  and  consequences  have  a 
very  extensive  reach  and  effect.  The  more  we  dis- 
cover ourselves  inclined  to  indifference  in  small 
things,  and  the  more  we  find  it  a  trial  to  us  to  pay 
attention  herein,  the  more  we  ought  to  fear  and  be- 
come jealous,  yea,  and  to  cast  up  bulwarks  against 
a  spirit  of  indifference  and  carnal  security — he  that 
despises  little  things,  will  certainly  fall  by  little  and 
little.  Be  not  afraid  of  a  constant  watchfulness  of 
mind  in  small  things:  a  godly  resolution  is  neces- 
sary in  the  beginning,  and  the  exercise  and  suffer- 
ing thou  endurest,  thou  hast  well  deserved,  it  being 
very  necessary  for  the  perfecting  thy  peace  and  se- 
curity, out  of  which  there  is  nothing  but  disquiet 
and  backsliding.  God  will  render  this  path  more 
and  more  sweet  and  pleasant.  True  love  is  watch- 
ful and  attentive  without  great  and  painful  restraint 
of  spirit. 

Augustine  saith, 

"  Quod  minimum  est,  minimum  est,  sed  in  minimofidelem  esse 
magnum  est.'''' 

"  Little  things  are  little  things,  but  to  be  faithful  in  little 
things  is  something  great." 
16* 


186 


Thoughts  on  the  Importance  of  Religion, 

Embarked  on  the  stream  of  time,  and  carried  for- 
ward with  uniform  and  irresistible  force,  how  many 
thousands  do  we  see  amusing  themselves  in  the  pur- 
suit of  shadows,  or  gliding  along  in  stupid  uncon- 
cern, notwithstanding  their  surrounding  companions 
daily  disappear  and  are  gone,  they  know  not  whi- 
ther. We  also,  fellow-traveller,  are  making  rapid 
progress  in  our  course,  and  it  will  surely  be  wise  to 
devote  a  few  moments  to  reflect  upon  the  most  im- 
portant of  all  subjects  which  can  possibly  occupy 
our  attention; — the  purpose  of  our  existence,  and 
the  end  of  our  voyage. 

If  we  consider  our  animal  frame  composed  of 
parts  essential  to  the  well  being  of  the  whole,  and 
put  together  with  inimitable  skill,  or  survey  the 
means  that  have  been  appointed  to  sustain  this  fa- 
bric during  the  limited  period  of  its  existence;  if 
we  look  upon  the  inferior  animals,  or  study  the 
structure  of  the  vegetable  tribes;  if,  by  means  of 
the  faculties  we  possess,  we  endeavour  to  under- 
stand a  little  of  the  laws  which  appear  to  regulate 
the  operations  incessantly  taking  place  in  this  lower 
world;  or,  if  we  lift  our  eyes  to  those  luminous  bo- 
dies scattered  through  the  immensity  of  space,  all 
proceeding  harmoniously  in  the  paths  prescribed  to 
them,  should  not  our  souls  be  filled  with  awe  and 
reverence?  Nothing  short  of  infinite  wisdom  could 
have  effected  this — nothing  short  of  infinite  power 
could  sustain  it  for  a  moment. 

This  wisdom  and  this  power,  0  fellow-traveller, 
is  Godf  even  thy  God.     He  has  condescended  to 


187 

create  thee  what  thou  art.  Kind  and  benevolent,  a» 
unlimited  in  power,  He  has  provided  for  thy  ac- 
commodation, thy  pleasure,  even  here.  He  has 
furnished  thee  with  suitable  food,  has  enamelled  the 
fields  with  flowers,  and  instructed  every  warbler  of 
the  grove  in  his  peculiar  song.  He  has  endowed 
thee  with  reason,  whereby  thou  mayest  understand 
a  little  portion  of  his  wonders;  and,  to  crown  the 
whole,  has  given  thee  a  capacity  to  acquaint  thyself 
with  Him,  the  Author  of  them  all.  Everything 
proclaims  that  the  object  of  the  Creator  is  the  hap- 
piness of  his  creatures;  and  if  thou  be  not  happy, 
the  fault  is  in  thyself.  Do  not  suppose  that  thou 
art  placed  in  this  transitory  scene,  merely  to  eat,  to 
drink,  and  to  sleep,  and  after  a  few  years  to  vanish 
away  like  a  dream  or  a  vision  of  the  night.  No: 
thy  great  Creator  has  called  thee  into  existence,  at 
that  period  which  was  consistent  with  his  supreme 
will;  and  though  thy  frame  shall  go  to  decay  when 
it  may  please  him  to  call  for  the  spirit  which  ani- 
mates it,  yet  be  assured  that  this  spirit  shall  exist 
forever.  When  the  present  life  ceases,  thou  must 
enter  upon  eternity,  which  will  be  either  miserable 
beyond  description,  or  unspeakably  happy.  The 
few  and  uncertain  moments  of  thy  present  state  are 
all  that  are  allowed  thee  to  prepare  for  it.  Be 
aroused  then  to  a  just  consideration  of  thy  condi- 
tion; venture  not  to  sleep  on  the  brink  of  a  preci- 
pice, but  apply  thyself  in  earnest  to  the  great  work, 
before  that  awful  proclamation  is  made,  '^He  that  is 
filthy,  let  him  be  filthy  still. '^     Rev.  xxii.  11. 

The  only  means  of  becoming  happy  here  and 
hereafter,  is  by  earnestly  endeavouring  to  know  and 
to  perform  the  will  of  God.  This,  we  cannot  do 
of  ourselves;  but  He  is  graciously  pleased  to  enable 
us,  by  giving  to  every  one  of  his  rational  creatures, 
a  portion  of  his  good  spirit,  (^Titus,  ii.  11,)  which 


188 

is  secretly  operating  upon  the  soul.  This  it  is  which 
makes  us  uneasy  when  we  do  wrong,  and  which 
fills  the  mind  with  comfort  and  joy  when  we  do 
right.  Thus  the  Divine  Being  communicates  with 
his  creatures;  thus  He  is  constantly  endeavouring 
to  draw  them  to  himself;  and  in  proportion  as  they 
attend  to  these  secret  impulses,  He  manifests  him- 
self more  and  more  clearly  to  them,  and  they  be- 
come more  closely  united  to  him.  In  this  way  the 
holy  men  of  old  were  inspired,  {Pet.  i.  21,)  and 
were  employed  as  mediums  to  convey  the  most  im- 
portant truths  to  the  rest  of  mankind.  Their  writ- 
ings collected  together  are  called  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  clearly  point  out  that  conduct  which  will 
be  acceptable  to  God.  2  Tim.  iii.  15.  But  above  all, 
they  inform  us,  that  in  the  fulness  of  time,  our  merci- 
ful Creator  {Gal.  iv.  4,)  displayed  his  love  to  his  ra- 
tional creatures  in  a  more  conspicuous  manner  than 
he  had  done  in  preceding  dispensations,  by  sending 
among  them  his  beloved  Son  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
as  a  pattern  and  example  to  the  end  of  time,  and  as 
the  Redeemer  of  men.  In  him  was  seen  what  the 
world  never  beheld  before,  a  person  with  all  the 
feelings  of  human  nature,  and  yet  without  sin:  by 
Him,  the  means  of  reconciliation  and  union  with 
God  were  most  clearly  and  aflfectingly  displayed; 
and  through  Him,  those  who  feel  the  weight  of 
their  transgressions  must  seek  for  reconciliation. 
He  is  the  mediator  between  sinful  man  and  the 
source  of  purity;  and  though,  having  accomplished 
his  mission  in  the  flesh,  and  ojQfered  up  his  life  on 
the  cross  as  a  propitiation  for  the  sins  of  mankind, 
he  is  no  longer  beheld  with  the  outward  eye;  yet 
he  is  present  in  the  hearts  of  all  those  who  are 
striving  to  know  and  perform  the  Divine  will;  he  is 
influencing  them  to  good  thoughts  and  good  actions, 
enabling  them  to  overcome  their  perverse  natural 


189 

inclinations,  and  to  subdue  their  wills;  and  thus  he 
is  purifying,  and  rendering  them  acceptable,  through 
Himself,  to  his  Heavenly  Father.  "Behold,  I  stand 
at  the  door  and  knock:  if  any  man  hear  my  voice, 
and  open  the  door,  I  will  come  in  unto  him,  and 
sup  with  him,  and  he  with  me."  And  again,  ''If  a 
man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  w^ords,  and  my  Fa- 
ther will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him."  Infinite  condescen- 
sion! Unutterable  love!  His  knocks  are  the  mo- 
nitions of  his  grace  and  good  spirit  in  the  heart; 
and  to  attend  to  these  and  follow  them,  is  to  open 
unto  him.  This  leads  to  our  purification  and  con- 
sequent fitness  for  a  closer  communion  with  him. 
The  heavenly  visiter  will  now  be  no  longer  *'as  a 
wayfaring  man  who  tarrieth  only  for  a  night,"  but 
"we  will  make  our  abode  with  him."  This  is  the 
essence  of  true  religion;  and,  let  our  denominations 
in  this  world  be  what  they  may,  if  this  be  our 
happy  experience,  we  shall  belong  to  "the  general 
assembly  and  church  of  the  first-born,  whose  names 
are  written  in  heaven."     Heb.  xii.  23. 

But  this  Divine  Spirit,  which  strives  with  man 
for  his  good,  if  neglected  or  resisted,  will  be  gradu- 
ally withdrawn;  we  may  harden  our  hearts  against 
it,  despise  its  reproofs,  and  silence  its  voice,  for  a 
time.  We  "shall  then  be  left  to  ourselves  and  per- 
mitted to  follow  our  own  evil  propensities:  our 
souls  will  be  in  a  state  of  defilement,  and  alienation 
from  the  source  of  true  happiness,  and  if  we  die  in 
this  state,  dreadful  indeed  will  be  our  portion.  That 
witness  for  God  which  we  have  refused  to  hear,  will 
then  speak  out  in  a  voice  not  to  be  silenced,  and 
from  which  we  shall  be  no  longer  able  to  escape. 

Now  is  the  acceptable  time:  now,  while  we  have 
health  and  strength,  let  us  use  all  diligence  to  ac- 
quaint ourselves  with  God,  that  we  may  be  at  peace; 


190 

for  t\iough  he  desires  the  salvation  of  all,  he  will  be 
sought  unto,  and  he  has  graciously  promised  to  be 
found  of  those  who  seek  him  aright. 

Our  attempts  will  be  much  promoted  by  occa- 
sional and  frequent  retirement  from  the  hurry  and 
bustle  of  life,  if  it  were  only  for  one  quarter  of  an 
hour  at  a  time;  that  we  may  pour  out  our  souls  unto 
our  Heavenly  Father  in  prayer,  beseeching  that  he 
would  manifest  unto  us  his  will,  help  us  to  subdue 
our  own,  and  bring  it  into  conformity  with  his.  A 
diligent  perusal  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  is  also  an  ex- 
cellent means  of  strengthening  our  good  desires,  and 
comforting  us  under  trial,  if  we  entreat  the  divine 
blessing  upon  it;  for  this  only  can  open  our  under- 
standings to  receive  those  eternal  truths  which  are 
indeed  hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent  of  this  world, 
but  revealed  to  the  babes  in  Christ.    Matt.  xi.  25. 

True  prayer  is  by  no  means  so  difficult  as  some 
have  imagined;  every  secret  aspiration  to  God,  even 
if  no  words  be  uttered,  is  prayer;  and  we  may  be  in 
the  exercise  of  it,  even  when  our  hands  are  engaged 
in  our  lawful  occupations.  This  is  the  prayer  which 
our  Lord  enjoined  to  his  disciples,  that  they  might 
not  enter  into  temptation.  Matt.  xxvi.  41.  Many 
awakened  souls  have  suffered  great  loss,  and  made 
for  themselves  a  long  wilderness,  by  consulting 
with  those  who  were  as  much  at  a  loss  as  them- 
selves, and  going  from  one  learned  man  to  another, 
to  seek  that  without,  which  can  only  be  found 
within.  The  kingdom  of  God,  said  Christ,  {Luke 
xvii.  21,)  is  within  you;  his  constant  reference  was 
to  this:  his  constant  aim,  to  turn  men  from  a  de- 
pendence upon  the  ceremonies  of  religion  to  the 
essence  of  it.  When  we  are  so  far  convinced  of 
these  great  truths  as  to  give  up  ourselves  wholly  to 
God,  and  can  say  with  sincerity,  '^Thy  will,  and 
not  mine,  be  done,^'  then  we  shall  enjoy  that  hea- 


191 

venly  communion  which  constitutes  the  happiness 
of  the  blessed  above.  Narrow  prejudices  will  no 
longer  exist,  our  souls  will  expand  with  love  to  our 
fellow-creatures,  and  we  shall  consider  all  mankind 
as  branches  of  the  same  family,  having  one  common 
Father.  We  shall  feel  a  real  interest  in  the  happi- 
ness of  all  within  our  influence,  and  endeavour  to 
promote  it  to  the  utmost  of  our  power.  These  are 
the  effects  which  would  be  produced  by  submitting 
to  the  operation  of  divine  grace  in  the  heart.*  "We 
shall  then  experimentally  know  that  God  is  good. 
We  shall  be  qualified  to  taste  and  see  how  gracious 
he  is,  by  his  influence  upon  our  minds,  by  those 
virtuous  thoughts  which  he  awakens  in  us,  by  those 
secret  comforts  and  refreshments  which  he  conveys 
into  our  souls,  and  by  those  ravishing  joys  and  in- 
ward satisfactions  which  are  perpetually  springing 
up  and  diffusing  themselves  among  all  the  thoughts 
of  good  men.  He  is  lodged  in  our  very  essence, 
and  is  as  a  soul  within  the  soul  to  irradiate  its  un- 
derstanding, rectify  its  will,  purify  its  passions,  and 
enliven  all  the  powers  of  man.  How  happy  is  an 
intellectual  being,  who  by  prayer  and  meditation, 
by  virtue  and  good  works,  opens  this  communica- 
tion between  God  and  his  own  soul!  Though  the 
whole  creation  frown  upon  him,  and  all  nature  look 
black  about  him,  he  has  his  light  and  support  within 
him  that  are  able  to  cheer  his  mind  and  bear  him 
up  in  the  midst  of  all  those  horrors  which  encom- 
pass him.  He  knows  that  his  Helper  is  at  hand, 
and  is  always  nearer  to  him  than  any  thing  else  can 
be,  which  is  capable  of  annoying  or  terrifying  him. 
In  the  midst  of  calumny  or  contempt,  he  attends  to 
that  Being  who  whispers  better  things  within  his 
soul,  and  whom  he  looks  upon  as  his  defender,  his 

*  Collection  of  papers  from  the  Spectator,  page  100. 


192 

glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  his  head.  In  his  deepest 
solitude  and  retirement  he  knows  that  he  is  in  com- 
pany with  the  greatest  of  beings;  and  perceives 
within  himself  such  real  sensations  of  his  presence, 
as  are  more  delightful  than  any  thing  that  can  be 
met  with  in  the  conversation  of  his  creatures.  Even 
in  the  hour  of  death,  he  considers  the  pains  of  his 
dissolution  to  be  nothing  else  but  the  breaking  down 
of  that  partition,  which  stands  betwixt  his  soul  and 
the  sight  of  that  Being  who  is  always  present  with 
him;  and  is  about  to  manifest  himself  to  him  in  ful- 
ness of  joy.'^  If  we  duly  ponder  these  things,  fel- 
low-traveller, and  give  up  our  hearts  to  the  guidance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  end  of  our  journey  will  be 
the  beginning  of  a  new  existence,  inconceivably 
glorious,  and  eternally  happy! 


193 


ON  PASSING  MEETING. 

1*^  Mo.  30,  1838. 


I  felt  my  mind  exercised  for  a  considerable  time 
past  relative  to  the  established  order  amongst 
Friends  of  passing  meeting,  with  the  proposed  in- 
tention of  marriage,  so  much  so  that  I  named  some- 
thing of  it  at  our  late  Monthly  Meeting,  without 
wishing  in  any  degree  to  take  off  the  weight,  im- 
portance, and  solemnity  thereof — having  no  view 
whatever  to  innovation  or  change,  but  which  may 
tend  to  the  real  and  general  benefit  of  society  at 
large.  This  being  my  only  motive  and  inducement, 
I  hope  to  find  relief  in  thus  opening  a  little  further 
my  feelings,  by  saying,  that  if  Friends  were  easy 
to  dispense  with  the  public  declaration  in  men's  and 
women's  meeting,  and  as  a  substitute  thereof  for  the 
proposed  marriage  to  be  opened  by  a  minute,  the 
parties  to  be  present,  with  a  suitable  appointment  to 
be  gone  into  to  make  inquiry  and  report  accordingly 
at  the  ensuing  Monthly  Meeting,  I  believe  it  would 
be  an  improvement,  and  an  encouragement  to  many 
of  the  different  ranks  and  classes,  to  accomplish  it 
in  the  beautiful,  comely  order  established  amongst 
Friends;  for  it  is  sorrowfully  to  be  observed  how 
many  and  frequent  are  the  instances  of  out-going, 
even  when  both  parties  have  a  right  of  membership, 
that  I  feel  desirous  that  Friends  may  be  clear,  and 
the  way,  the  good  old  way,  of  our  forefathers  not 
so  much  departed  from. 

I  feel  for  many  who  are  so  situated  in  life, 
amongst  their  immediate  connections,  as  to  derive 
very  little  strength  or  help  in  a  religious  line;  so 
17 


194 

that  in  many  instances  it  seems  as  though  the  testi- 
mony would  fall  to  the  ground. 

If  there  was  more  of  a  bowing  to  the  simplicity 
of  the  truth,  and  a  willingness  to  take  up  the  cross, 
under  the  blessed  government  of  the  Prince  of 
Peace,  our  beloved  young  people  would  feel  more 
interested  in  our  meetings  of  discipline,  which  are 
deeply  interesting  to  the  truly  disciplined  mind. 
The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  feel  of  the  value  of 
them,  and  of  the  plan,  and  I  believe  an  infinite  wis- 
dom laid  the  foundation  of  those  wholesome  rules 
that  our  society  believe  it  right  to  be  governed  by. 
But  for  want  of  yielding  to  this,  too  many  are  apt 
at  a  distance  not  to  know  as  they  ought  to  do,  the 
things  that  belong  to  their  present  and  everlasting 
peace  and  well-being. 


195 


Extracts  from  an  Essay  on  the  Habitual  Exer- 
cise of  Love  to  God,  Considered  as  a  Prepara- 
tion for  Heaven.  By  Joseph  John  Gurney, 
now  on  a  religious  visit  in  this  country. 

*'Much  of  the  happiness  which  is  here  permitted 
to  man  arises  from  the  exercise  of  kindly  feelings. 
When  benevolence  leads  us  to  seek  the  welfare  of 
others,  and  our  hearts  are  enlarged  in  good  will  and 
charity,  our  condition  of  mind  is  unquestionably  one 
of  pleasure  to  ourselves.  Again,  when  the  objects 
of  our  purest  and  warmest  affections  are  granted  to 
us — when  we  enjoy  their  company  and  conversa- 
tion, and  when  our  kindness  towards  them  is  met 
by  an  equal  return — this  is  a  source  of  unrivalled 
temporal  joy.  Nor  can  it  be  denied,  that  the  purity 
and  height  of  this  joy  are  just  in  proportion  to  the 
tnoral  excellence  of  the  objects  of  our  love." 

"Man  by  nature  is  the  child  of  wrath;  he  has  in- 
herited from  his  first  parents,  in  the  fall,  a  prone- 
ness  to  sin;  and  his  distinguishing  characteristic  is 
the  absence  of  that  love  to  God,  which  is  absolutely 
indispensable  to  true  virtue  and  happiness,  both  here 
and  hereafter.  Hence  it  follows,  beyond  all  doubt 
or  question,  that  we  must  be  *born  again' — that  we 
must  undergo  a  radical  and  inward  change — before 
we  can  live  to  the  glory  of  God  in  this  world,  or  be 
fitted  for  the  enjoyment  of  his  presence  in  the  world 
to  come.      ^Except  a  man  be  born  again,  he  cannot 

see  the  kingdom  of  God Except  a  man 

be  born  of  water  and  of  the  Spirit,  he  cannot  enter 
into  the  kingdom  of  God.'  John  iii.  3,  5." 

<'If  then  we  would  attain  to  a  capacity  for  those 


196 

jjleasures  which  are  at  the  right-hand  of  our  God  for 
ever,  we  must  yield  up  our  souls  in  ready  obedience 
to  the  visitations  of  the  Holy  Spirit;  that  his  en- 
lightening and  enlivening  influence  may  assimilate 
all  within  us  to  its  own  nature.  Now  this  divine 
influence — this  free  gift  of  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ — springs  from  love,  and  leads  to  it. 
By  teaching  and  enabling  us  to  love  God  with  all 
our  heart,  and  all  our  soul,  it  will  prepare  us  for 
that  kingdom  of  which  love  is  the  joy  for  ever." 

*'In  effecting  this  blessed  change  in  the  affections 
of  fallen  man,  the  Holy  Spirit  makes  use  of  the  gos- 
pel of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  his  grand,  appointed 
instrument.  That  gospel,  written  in  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  preached  by  the  Lord's  messengers,  is  a 
spiritual  weapon  of  heavenly  mould;  and,  when 
wielded  by  a  divine  hand,  it  penetrates  the  heart, 
and  becomes  'the  power  of  God  unto  salvation.' 
Convinced  of  sin,  humbled  under  a  feeling  of  its 
malignity,  and  broken  down  into  repentance,  the 
sinner  often  passes  through  a  long  and  painful  sea- 
son of  inward  conflict;  but  at  length  he  finds  rest 
for  his  soul  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.'^ 

*'Himself  the  object  of  divine  compassion,  he 
loves  God  in  return;  and, under  the  impulse  of  grati- 
tude for  all  his  mercies,  and  especially  for  the  un- 
speakable gift  oi  such  a  Saviour,  he  devotes  himself 
without  reserve  to  the  service  of  his  Creator." 

<'Well,  indeed,  is  the  Christian  aware  that  he  can 
contribute  nothing  to  these  purposes,  in  his  own 
strength;  but  he  lives  by  *faith  in  the  Son  of  God,* 
and  follows  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit: — *it  is 
'God,^  that  «worketh'  in  him,  'to  will  and  to  do  of 
his  good  pleasure.'  Phil.  ii.  12,  13.  Thus  it  is 
that  he  gradually  attains  to  the  experience  of  the 
apostolic  doctrine,  that  'if  any  man  be  in  Christ,  it 
is  a  new  creation;  (icxm  zria-ic,  2  Cor.  v.   17,)  old 


197 

things  are  passed  away;  behold  all  things  are  be- 
come new — the  'wilderness  and  the  solitary  place' 
are  glad  for  him — the  'desert'  rejoices  and  blossoms 
*as  the  rose!'  Isa.  xxxv.  1. 

"The  circumstances  in  which  we  are  placed,  the 
opportunity  afforded  of  duty  or  improvement,  our 
own  capacities  and  faculties,  the  incitements  to  vir- 
tue and  checks  upon  vice,  with  which  we  are  fur- 
nished in  the  moral  government  of  God,  our  plea- 
sures and  our  sorrows,  the  very  taunts  and  tempta- 
tions of  this  wicked  world,  must  all  be  applied,  with 
watchfulness  and  prayer,  to  the  great  object  of  our 
being.  In  constant  dependence  on  divine  grace,  we 
must  use  them  diligently  as  so  many  talents  com- 
mitted to  our  stewardship — God  is  ever  ready  to 
sanctify  them  to  his  faithful  and  believing  children. 

'•'It  is  of  especial  importance  to  observe,  that, 
while  the  believer  in  Jesus  is  graciously  delivered 
from  the  dominion  of  sin,  he  continues  to  be  sub- 
ject, like  other  men,  to  those  natural  laws  which 
regulate  the  movements,  and  form  the  constitution, 
of  the  human  mind.  Since  these  laws  belong  to  the 
nature  which  God  has  given  us,  and  cannot  cease  to 
operate — at  least  in  our  present  state  of  being — the 
christian  must  not  disregard  them.  On  the  contrary, 
he  ought  to  be  ever  on  the  watch  to  maintain  their 
right  balance,  and  to  direct  their  native  influence  to 
wise  and  holy  purposes." 

"To  contemplate  God  in  his  works,  under  the 
beaming  light  of  the  religion  of  the  Bible,  is  one  of 
the  most  profitable  exercises  of  the  human  mind;  it 
cannot  fail  to  imbue  us  v/ith  filial  love  and  gratitude 
towards  the  Author  of  our  being. 

"If  we  would  love  God  sincerely  and  fervently, 
let  us  first  contemplate  him  as  our  Father  by  crea- 
tion; let  us  call  to  mind,  that  a  few  years  since  we 
were  not,  but  now  are — that  wq  possess  not  only 
17* 


198 

animal  life,  but  a  rational  and  imperishable  soul — 
and  that  both  are  his  gift — the  spontaneous  results 
of  his  wisdom,  power,  and  love." 

*'^I  will  praise  thee,'  said  David,  *for  I  am  fear- 
fully and  wonderfully  made;  marvellous  are  thy 
works,  and  that  my  soul  knoweth  right  well.'  Fs. 
cxxxix.  14 — 16. 

<«These  words  of  inspired  thanksgiving  are  in 
full  agreement  with  the  wonders  of  modern  anato- 
my. What  christian,  who  knows  any  thing  of  these 
wonders,  can  consider  his  own  bodily  frame,  with- 
out being  astonished  at  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of 
God?  The  complexity  and  nicety  of  the  machine; 
the  perfect  ease  with  which  it  works, — every  part 
being  made  for  use  and  comfort,  and  no  part  for 
pain;  the  various  joints,  each  of  that  peculiar  me- 
chanism which  suits  it  to  its  place;  the  muscles, 
with  their  power  of  contraction  for  the  purpose  of 
motion,  and  pulling  against  each  other,  to  keep  the 
body  even;  the  heart,  a  forcing  pump,  beating  a 
hundred  thousand  times  in  a  day,  but  never  grow- 
ing weary;  the  blood,  for  ever  circulating,  fed  with 
chyle  in  one  part  of  its  passage,  and  enlivened  with 
pure  air  in  another;  the  conversion  of  that  blood, 
by  some  mysterious  action,  into  all  the  other  fluids 
of  the  body;  the  chemistry  of  the  stomach;  the 
sensibility  and  sightliness  of  the  skin;  the  organs 
of  sense,  each  furnished  with  its  own  class  of  nerves, 
and  fitted  with  the  most  consummate  skill  to  its  pe- 
culiar object;  the  scientifically  formed  cavities  and 
tight  drum  of  the  ear;  the  refracting  lenses,  the  di- 
recting muscles,  the  cleansing  tears,  the  protecting 
lids  and  lashes,  and  the  pictured  retina  of  the  eye — 
all  these,  and  a  multitude  of  other  particulars,  are 
worthy  of  our  grateful  meditation,  and  ought  surely 
to  excite  our  wonder  and  our  praise. 

<'But  how  much  more  admirable  is  the  constitu- 


199 

tion  of  the  mind,  with  all  its  subtle  powers  of  sensa- 
tion, consciousness,  reflection,  reasoning,  memory, 
invention,  and  imagination!  Shall  we  mark  these 
powers  and  enjoy  their  action — shall  we  delight 
ourselves  in  the  facility  with  which  our  thoughts 
range  the  universe — and  not  learn  to  love  that 
bounteous  Being  who  made  us  what  we  are? 

But  our  capacities  would  be  of  little  worth  with- 
out corresponding  objects;  and  we  must  contemplate 
the  Deity,  not  only  as  our  Creator,  but  as  the  gra- 
cious Author  of  those  provisions  by  which  our  fa- 
culties are  excited  to  action,  and  all  our  wants  sup- 
plied. External  nature  teems  with  such  provisions; 
and  the  exactness  of  their  suitability  to  us,  affords 
sufficient  evidence,  that  if  a  man  is  made  for  the 
world,  the  world  is  also  made  for  man.  Here  we 
may  freely  mingle  the  m.ost  obvious  and  familiar 
observations,  with  the  discoveries  of  modern  sci- 
ence; all  combine  to  multiply  our  proofs  of  the 
benevolence  of  our  heavenly  Father.  It  seems  al- 
most needless  to  advert  to  particulars;  but  the  reli- 
gious man  will  find  abundant  cause  for  gratitude 
towards  his  Creator,  when  he  meditates  on  the  ex- 
istence and  properties  of  light  and  heat;  on  the  al- 
ternations of  day  and  night;  on  the  arrangement  of 
the  seasons;  on  the  nature  of  the  atmosphere;  on 
the  magnetic  influence,  directing  the  mariner's  com- 
pass; on  the  even  and  moderate  temperature  of  the 
earth's  surface;  on  the  universal  law  of  gravitation; 
on  the  endless  supplies,  and  multiplied  uses,  of  wa- 
ter; on  the  ocean,  with  its  faculty  of  evaporation; 
on  the  mighty  agency  of  steam;  on  the  gradual  de- 
trition of  rocks  into  fertile  soils;  on  the  vast  provi- 
sions of  animal  and  vegetable  food,  each  zone  of  the 
earth  producing  the  kind  of  aliment  which  its  inha- 
bitants require;  on  the  green  carpeting  of  nature; 
on  the  profusion  of  her  flowers;  on  all  her  glorious 
scenery!" 


200 

"The  gift  to  man  of  the  inferior  animals,  for  other 
uses  besides  food,  is  another  point  which  ought  to 
excite  our  gratitude.  How  great  are  the  benefits 
which  he  drives  from  the  camel,  the  elephant,  the 
dog,  the  ox,  and  the  horse!  What  cause  has  he  to 
be  thankful  for  the  hide,  the  fleece,  and  the  furs  of 
the  north,  just  suited  to  its  frosts!  Who  can  ob- 
serve a  multitude  of  silk  worms,  burying  them- 
selves in  their  own  exquisite  manufacture;  and  thus 
administering  to  us  abundant  material,  not  merely 
for  soft  clothing,  but  for  the  wealth  of  nations, — 
without  admiring  the  kindness  of  divine  Provi- 
dence? 

^ 'There  is  a  fitness  in  the  outward  creation  to  the 
mental,  as  well  as  to  the  bodily,  capacities  of  man. 
It  is  by  his  mind  that  he  detects  the  secrets  of  na- 
ture, unfolds  her  beauties,  and,  through  many  an 
ingenious  process,  applies  her  materials  to  his  use. 
This  fact  has  no  tendency  to  weaken  the  evidence 
afibrded,  hy  the  supplies  of  nature,  of  the  goodness 
of  God.  On  the  contrary,  it  adds  another  link,  of 
immense  value,  to  the  chain  of  that  evidence.  The 
more  we  dive  into  the  hidden  capabilities  of  the 
world  in  which  we  dwell,  and  multiply,  by  science 
or  art,  our  own  means  of  comfort  and  happiness — 
the  larger  will  be  our  proof  of  the  goodness  of  God; 
the  stronger  his  claim  upon  ourselves,  for  gratitude 
and  love.^' 

"While  the  christian  accepts  with  gratitude  the 
satisfactions  afibrded  him  by  visible  things,  he  can 
be  thankful  even  for  those  checks  mid  interruptions 
which  remind  him  that  his  present  life  is  but  a  va- 
pour— that  he  is  only  a  pilgrim  on  his  journey  to 
another  world,  where  sorrow,  suffering,  sin,  and 
death,  are  no  more. 

<'Yet  it  ought  not  to  be  forgotten,  that  in  the 
gifts  which  she  bestows,  and  the  deprivations  or 


201 

dangers  which  she  inflicts,  nature  maintains  a  sys- 
tem of  balance  and  compensation — a  system  which 
plainly  evinces  both  the  wisdom  and  kindness  of 
her  Almighty  Author. 

'^Again,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe,  that 
God  governs  his  material  universe  hy  general  laws; 
and,  although  these  laws  may,  in  particular  cases, 
be  the  occasion  of  suffering,  there  can  be  no  doubt 
that  they  are,  on  the  whole,  productive  of  enjoy- 
ment to  his  living  creatures,  as  well  as  of  his  own 
glory.  We  may  indeed  conclude,  that  no  other 
laws  could  be  equally  efficacious  for  these  purposes. 
While,  therefore,  the  christian  is  taught  to  trace  all 
suffering  oi  sin,  as  its  original  cause,  he  can  admire 
the  wisdom  and  loving-kindness  of  God,  in  esta- 
blishing a  method  of  government  over  nature,  of 
which  the  main  tendency  is  still  unquestionably 
found  to  be  happy  and  beneficial. 

"Among  the  choicest  blessings  of  the  God  of  na- 
ture must  be  reckoned  our  social  affections,  consi- 
dered in  connection  with  their  appropriate  objects — 
the  social  relations.  The  two,  together,  are  pro- 
ductive of  a  vast  amount  of  comfort  and  happiness, 
even  in  this  uncertain  and  sorrowful  w^orld;  and  they 
afford  a  clear  evidence  of  the  loving-kindness  of  Je- 
hovah, towards  his  rational  creature,  man.  How 
often  do  they  alleviate  the  miseries  of  the  wretched, 
and  check  the  cruelties  of  the  depraved:  and  how 
sweet  are  the  pleasures  which  they  impart  to  the 
more  amiable  and  virtuous  among  mankind!  Yet 
even  these,  the  fairest  flowers  which  earth  produces, 
bloom  but  to  die;  and  nothing  can  supply  the  void 
which  the  loss  of  them  occasions,  but  the  elevated 
hopes  of  the  christian  believer.  To  him,  the  proof 
which  the  social  affections  present  of  the  benevo- 
lence of  our  Creator,  is  wonderfully  enhanced  and 
strengthened;  because,   when  they  are  sanctified. 


202 

they  produce  a  tenfold  happiness.  Being  brought 
into  subordination  to  the  love  of  God,  they  now  oc- 
cupy their  right  province;  they  are  at  once  con- 
firmed and  refined;  above  all,  they  act  in  harmony 
with  higher  things,  and  are  blended  with  that  fel- 
lowship in  the  gospel  of  Christ,  which  shall  endure 
for  ever.'' 

''The  christian  can  study  the  page  of  history,  and 
observe  the  events  which  are  rapidly  passing  in  this 
dark  world  of  change,  with  instruction  to  his  own 
mind,  and  thankfulness  to  God.  There  is  a  light 
upon  his  mind,  which  often  reveals  to  him  the 
traces  of  the  righteousness  of  Jehovah,  in  the  rise 
and  fall  of  empires,  in  the  changes  of  their  political 
relations,  in  public  prosperity  or  adversity,  in  the 
infliction  of  barrenness  on  one  part  of  the  earth,  or 
in  the  gift  of  fertility  to  another.*  Yet  if  those 
traces  are  hidden,  it  is  enough  for  him  to  remember 
that  God,  who  sets  up  one,  and  puts  down  another, 
and  disposes  of  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  as  he 
pleases,  is  a  being  of  infinite  wisdom  and  goodness, 
and  doeth  all  things  w^ell.'' 

''The  goodness  of  an  ever-present,  ever-ruling 
God,  is  joyfully  traced  by  the  believer,  in  little  cir- 
cumstances, as  well  as  in  great  events.  How  often, 
during  the  course  of  our  pilgrimage,  have  we  rea- 

'**How  remarkably  is  the  retributive  justice  of  Providence 
displayed  in  that  curse  of  barrenness  and  exhaustion,  which  so 
often  overtakes  those  countries  where  the  labourers  are  slaves; 
and  in  the  comparative  fertility  and  prosperity  of  other  lands, 
where  labour  is  free!  The  comparison  of  the  free  and  slave- 
holdin;?  states  of  North  America  is,  in  this  point  of  view,  pecu- 
liarly ihstructive.  'What  was  the  cause  of  these  abundant  har- 
vests'?' (asks  Pliny,  speaking  of  the  early  periods  of  the  republic 
of  Rome) — 'It  is  that,  at  that  time,  men  of  consular  dignity  de- 
voted themselves  to  the  cultivation  of  their  fields;  which  are  now 
abandoned  to  wretches,  loaded  with  chains,  and  bearing  on  their 
forehead  the  brand  of  their  degraded  condition. — Hodson's  Letter 
to  Say  on  Free-labour,  page  5." 


203 

son  to  bless  him  for  that  especial  providence,  by 
which  our  sufferings  aje  alleviated,  and  our  wants 
supplied!  How  many  are  the  minute  turning  points 
in  our  lives — the  mere  accidents  as  some  persons 
would  call  them — which  are  afterwards  found  to 
have  been  fraught  with  important  consequences  both 
for  our  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare!" 

"Nor  can  christians  forget,  that  the  roughest  dis- 
cipline to  which  they  are  here  subjected,  is  ordained 
in  mercy  for  their  highest  good — ^Whom  the  Lord 
loveth  he  chasteneth.'  They  are  taught  of  him  to 
welcome  sorrow  as  the  means  of  their  purification; 
and  they  are  not  left  to  suffer  from  it  without  sup- 
port; the  Comforter  is  with  them;  the  celestial  city 
is  in  their  view,  and  the  sunshine  of  Christianity 
illuminates  their  darkest  hours.  Religion  alone  can 
enable  us  to  *count  it  all  joy'  when  we  fall  into  divers 
temptations  (i.  e.  afflictions).  James  i.  2.  *We  glory 
in  tribulations  also;'  said  a  much  afflicted  apostle, 
^knowing  that  tribulation  worketh  patience;  and 
patience,  experience;  and  experience,  hope.'" 

^'The  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  it  is  re- 
vealed in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  is  intended  for  the 
benefit  of  the  whole  world.  It  is  adapted  to  men 
of  every  condition,  clime,  and  character;  all  are  in- 
vited to  avail  themselves  of  its  benefits;  all  who  will 
come  may  come,  ^and  take  the  water  of  life  freely.'  " 

'^When  we  contemplate  God  our  Father,  in  the 
redemption  of  the  world — if  the  Spirit  bless  our 
meditations — the  affection  excited  in  our  hearts  will 
be  that  of  love  tempered  with  awe;  our  gratitude 
will  flow  in  a  stream  at  once  deep  and  undefiled; 
and  while  we  rejoice  in  his  compassions,  we  shall 
listen  to  his  high  behest;  *Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am 
Holy.'" 

'^But,  in  loving  God,  we  must  love  him  as  he  is 
— a  Being  of  infinite  purity  and  righteousness.     His 


204 

moral  attributes  must  all  be  dear  to  us;  and  we  must 
not  only  love  him^  but  love  his  law,  which  is  at 
once  the  rule  of  our  lives,  and  the  transcript  oi  his 
character.  A  hatred  of  sin,  and  an  ardent  desire 
after  holiness,  must  ever  mark  the  disposition  and 
conduct  of  the  Lord's  children.  If  David  could 
say — 'Oh  how  love  I  thy  law!  it  is  my  meditation 
all  the  day;  .  .  .  thy  testimonies  have  I  taken  as  an 
heritage  for  ever:  for  they  are  the  rejoicing  of  my 
heart' — {Ps.  cxix.  97,  111) — the  follower  of  Jesus, 
in  every  age,  ought  surely  to  breathe  in  the  same 
spirit,  and  to  burn  with  the  same  ardour.  If  the 
ancient  Israelites  were  commanded  to  talk  of  the 
Lord's  precepts  when  they  sat  in  their  houses,  or 
walked  by  the  way,  and  when  they  lay  down,  and 
when  they  rose  up;  to  teach  them  diligently  to  their 
children;  to  bind  them  for  a  sign  upon  their  hand, 
and  for  frontlets  between  their  eyes;  to  write  them 
on  their  door-posts  and  on  their  gates — {Deut.  vi. 
6,  7,) — much  more  is  the  christian  bound,  by  every 
tie  of  gratitude,  to  love  and  obey  them — to  guard 
and  cherish  them  as  his  dearest  treasure." 

<^It  is  an  instructive  circumstance,  that  the  suffer- 
ings which  Jesus  underwent  during  the  course  of  his 
life  and  ministry,  were  endured  with  long -continued 
patience.  Aggravated  as  they  were  by  a  perfectly 
defined  anticipation  of  yet  deeper  woe,  he  refrained 
from  exerting  his  power  for  his  own  deliverance, 
and  even  from  rushing  into  the  arm.s  of  his  enemies; 
he  quietly  awaited  his  appointed  hour. 

**At  length,  however,  that  hour  arrived.  Let  us 
then  follow  him  to  the  garden  of  Gethsemane,  and 
mark  his  agony  and  bloody  sweat,  when  he  poured 
forth  his  soul,  with^strong  crying  and  tears,'  unto 
God;  let  us  listen  to  his  prayer,  <If  it  be  possible, 
let  this  cup  pass  from  me;'  and  again,  <If  this  cup 


205 

may  not  pass  from  me  except  I  drink  it,  thy  will  be 
done.'" 

"The  contrast  which  we  have  now  been  consi- 
dering, affords  us  a  measure,  by  which  we  may  es- 
timate the  greatness  of  redeeming  mercy.  Let  our 
thoughts  ascend  to  the  original  majesty  and  blessed- 
ness of  Christ;  let  them  go  down  to  the  opposite 
extreme  of  his  humiliation  and  suffering;  let  us  con- 
nect and  compare  the  two  states;  let  us  add  the  un- 
fathomable depth  to  the  glorious  elevation — and  we 
shall  not  be  left  without  some  just  apprehensions  of 
that  amazing  love,  which  brought  Emmanuel  from 
his  throne,  to  live  and  die  for  sinners." 

'^Christ  is  the  ever-present  sovereign  and  all-wise 
ruler  of  his  church;  his  is  the  master-mind  which 
pervades  and  regulates  the  whole  body.  By  the  in- 
fluence of  his  Spirit,  he  guides  the  movements  of  all 
his  living  members;  he  conducts  them  into  truth, 
holiness,  and  peace;  he  instructs  them  by  his  ^anoint- 
ing' which  cannot  lie;  his  will  is  made  manifest  to 
them,  not  only  in  the  page  of  Scripture,  but  in  the 
secret  of  the  heart;  and  nothing  is  required  on  their 
parts,  for  the  purposes  either  of  safety  or  duty,  but 
the  obedience  oi  faith.  If  their  souls  are  sound  in 
the  truth,  they  cannot  disobey  him." 

"True  indeed  it  is,  that  at  the  solemn  hour  which 
terminates  their  present  life,  Jesus  visits  his  people 
individually — 'precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is 
the  death  of  his  saints.'  Ps.  cxvi.  15.  In  the  'val- 
ley of  the  shadow  of  death'  he  is  their  friend  and 
companion." 

"We  therefore  acknowledge  him  to  be  a  righteous 
Redeemer,  'the  Holy-one  of  Israel;'  we  depend  on 
his  merits,  as  well  as  on  his  mercies;  we  admire  and 
adore  him  for  his  boundless  love,  and  for  his  eternal 
worthiness.^  ^Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain 
to  receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
18 


206 

strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing,' 
'Blessing  and  honour,  and  glory  and  power,  be  unto 
him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and  unto  the  Lamb 
for  ever  and  ever.'    Rev.  v.  12,  13." 

'*  *The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  God  is  upon  me,'  says 
the  Messiah,  ^because  the  Lord  hath  anointed  me 
to  preach  good  tidings  unto  the  meek.'  Isa.  Ixi.  1; 
conip,  ch.  xi.  2,  and  John  iii.  34.  Again,  the 
psalmist,  worshipping  him,  says,  'Thy  throne,  0 
God,  is  for  ever  and  ever;  the  sceptre  of  thy  king- 
dom is  a  right  sceptre;  thou  lovest  righteousness 
and  hatest  wickedness.' " 

«<We  are  to  conceive  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  however, 
not  merely  as  the  agent  of  divine  revelation,  but  as 
a  wise  and  benevolent  7?rece/?/or,  who  gradually  un- 
folds his  lessons  to  our  understanding,  as  ive  are 
able  to  bear  them;  and  at  the  same  time  impresses 
them  upon  our  hearts.  'Howbeit  when  he,  the 
Spirit  of  truth,  is  come,  he  shall  guide  you  into  all 
truth;  for  he  shall  not  speak  of  himself;  but  what- 
soever he  shall  hear,  that  shall  he  speak he 

shall  receive  of  mine,  and  shall  show  it  unto  you."' 

''Although,  for  a  time,  these  doctrines  may  be 
obscure  to  us,  the  j»rece;?/5  of  religion  always  clear; 
and  it  is  only  as  we  humbly  endeavour  to  add  vir- 
tue to  our  faith,  that  the  Spirit  will  enable  us  to  add 
knowledge  to  our  virtue.  Again,  when  we  have 
made  some  little  proficiency  in  the  school  of  Christ, 
the  Spirit  teaches  us  to  apply  our  knowledge  to  its 
practical  uses.  He  points  out,  with  clearness  to  our 
souls,  our  peculiar  lines  of  duty;  he  prompts  and 
directs  our  respective  services  in  the  church;  he 
opens  our  path  before  us,  and  shows  us  how  to  walk 
in  it.  We  need  not  that  any  man  teach  us,  because 
Hhe  anointing''  teaches  us  *of  all  things,  and  is  truth 
and  no  lie.'  John  ii.  27." 

<*When  we  have  exchanged  the  love  of  the  world 


207 

for  the  love  of  God,  and  have  experienced  the  hap- 
piness of  this  blessed  change — when,  'instead  of  the 
thorn'  has  sprung  up  the  *fir-tree/  and  'instead  of 
the  brier/  the  'myrtle  tree,' — we  cannot  refrain 
from  declaring  the  praises  of  Him  who  is  the  imme- 
diate Author,  in  the  economy  of  grace,  of  this  new 
creation. " 

"Finally,  the  Spirit  is  our  Comforter.  ^If  ye 
love  me,  keep  my  commandments;  and  I  will  pray 
the  Father  and  he  will  give  you  another  Comforter, 
that  he  may  abide  with  you  for  ever;  even  the  Spirit 
of  truth  whom  the  world  cannot  receive,  because  it 
seeth  him  not,  neither  knoweth  him:  but  ye  know 
him,  for  he  dwelleth  with  you,  and  shall  be  in  you.' 
John  xiv.  15 — 17.  'It  is  expedient  for  you  that  I 
go  away;  for  if  I  go  not  away,  the  Comforter  will 
not  come  unto  you;  but  if  I  depart,  I  will  send  him 
unto  you,' " 

"On  a  deliberate  view  of  that  glorious  scheme  of 
mercy,  which  we  have  now  been  endeavouring  to 
unfold,  our  hearts  may  well  be  filled  with  admira- 
tion and  astonishment,  while  they  are  humbled  in 
the  dust,  and  melted  into  love.  What  do  we  not 
owe  of  affection,  gratitude,  and  allegiance,  to  the 
Father  who  loved  us  from  eternity,  and  sent  his 
Son  into  the  world  to  save  us;  to  the  Son  who  bore 
the  bitter  penalty  of  our  sins  on  the  cross,  and  who 
ever  lives  to  make  intercession  for  us;  and  to  the 
Spirit  who  applies  these  mercies,  and  prepares  us 
for  heavenly  joy?  Yet,  while  we  contemplate  these 
distinctive  operations  of  divine  mercy,  as  demand- 
ing corresponding  exertions,  on  our  own  part,  of 
faith,  love,  and  obedience,  we  must  never,  for  a 
moment,  forget  that  God  is  one,  and  that  his  es- 
sence cannot  be  divided.  His  love  does  indeed  flow 
forth  for  the  redemption  of  mankind,  in  the  repec- 
tive  offices  of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Spirit; 


208 

but  it  is  the  love  of  a  single,  infinite,  and  incompre- 
hensible Being,  who  is  the  author,  the  medium,  and 
the  end  of  all  things. 

"When  Jehovah  had  laid  the  foundations  of  the 
earth,  and  had  called  into  being  his  creature  man, 
his  love  was  celebrated  by  the  harmony  of  the 
spheres  and  the  applause  of  angels — Hlie  morning 
stars  sang  together,  and  all  the  sons  of  God  shouted 
for  joy.'    Job  xxxviii.  7." 

^*When  both  the  majesty  and  mercy  of  God  were 
made  manifest  to  mankind  in  the  face  of  Jesus — the 
melody  of  heaven  again  became  audible.  'And  sud- 
denly there  was  with  the  shepherds  a  multitude  of 
the  heavenly  host,  praising  God,  and  saying,  glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  and  good 
will  to  man.'  " 

"Finally,  when  time  shall  be  no  longer — when 
the  whole  mediatorial  scheme  shall  have  been  ac- 
complished, and  the  elect  of  God  gathered  into  hea- 
venly places — one  harmonious  anthem  will  for  ever 
ascend  from  that  ransomed  and  glorified  assembly 
which  no  man  can  number.  In  perfect  accordance 
with  cherubim  and  seraphim,  will  they  sing  the 
song  of  Moses  and  the  song  of  the  Lamb — 'Great 
and  marvellous  are  thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty; 
just  and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints;'  and 
again,  'Alleluia,  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent 
reigneth!'  Rev.  xv.  3,  4;  xix.  6. 

''May  we  reflect,  with  humble  reverence  and 
holy  joy,  on  the  creating,  renovating,  and  crown- 
ing, mercies  of  our  God;  may  a  sense  of  those  mer- 
cies be  in  us  an  ever-flowing  well-spring  of  love  and 
gratitude;  may  we  bear  our  part,  individually,  in 
the  universal  melody  of  thanksgiving;  and  under 
an  unutterable  feeling  of  our  obligations  to  God, 
may  we  surrender  our  whole  hearts  to  his  Spirit—- 
our  whole  lives  to  his  service!" 


209 

'*The  habit  of  fixing  our  minds  on  God,  as  the 
subject  of  our  thoughts  and  meditations,  is  one  of 
which,  in  heaven,  we  shall  find  the  full  value.'' 

'^Let  us,  then,  in  dependence  on  the  grace  of  God, 
accustom  ourselves,  even  here,  to  this  divine  em- 
ployment. Amidst  our  many  calls  to  active  duty, 
let  us  still  give  due  place  to  the  contemplative  part 
of  the  religious  life.  Let  us  frequently  endeavour 
to  lift  up  our  souls  above  this  present  busy  sphere, 
and  to  meditate  on  the  glory  of  Jehovah.  Thus 
shall  we  be  the  better  prepared,  not  only  to  love 
God  perfectly,  in  that  world  of  which  love  is  the 
element,  but  to  unite  with  saints  and  angels  in  the 
highest  of  all  applications  of  the  mental  faculty. 
^Now  we  see  through  a  glass  darkly,  but  then  face 
to  face;  now  we  know  in  part,  but  then  shall  we 
know,  even  as  we  are  known.'  " 

"Repentance  and  reconciliation  are  steps  which 
must  be  trodden  by  every  man,  before  he  can  pos- 
sibly enjoy  an  effective  communion  with  the  Author 
of  all  good." 

"We  cannot  perform  this  sacred  duty  in  our  own 
strength;  we  must  seek  the  influence  of  that  Holy 
Spirit,  who  can  alone  impart  a  living  energy  to  our 
praises  and  our  prayers." 

^'The  chain  of  friendship — to-  adopt  the  simple 
metaphor  of  the  North  American  Indians — is  kept 
bright  by  the  converse  of  friends.  If  we  truly  love 
our  friend,  and  are  on  good  terms  with  him,  we 
naturally  seek  his  society;  and  the  more  we  enjoy  of 
it — mind  communing  with  mind — the  more  does 
our  love  for  him  abound." 

'^When  a  cessation  of  intercourse  between  friends 
is  occasioned  by  circumstances  over  which  they  have 
no  control,  there  does  indeed  arise  a  certain  effort 
of  the  mind,  which  counteracts  the  efiect  of  absence, 
and  overleaps  the  greatest  distance." 
18* 


210 

^^Although  true  religion  abounds  in  social  feel- 
ings and  duties,  there  is  in  its  work  on  the  indivi- 
dual soul,  a  depth  of  solitude  with  which  none  can 
interfere." 

''Hence  we  may  perceive  the  importance  of  that 
solitary  devotion,  in  which  the  christian,  separated 
for  a  season  from  his  fellow  men,  can  say  with  the 
Psalmist,  *Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee;  and 
there  is  none  upon  earth  tliat  I  desire  besides  thee.^ 
Ps.  Ixxiii.  25.  Our  Lord's  precept  on  the  subject 
is  clear  and  decisive — 'Butthou  when  thou  prayest, 
enter  into  thy  closet,  and  when  thou  hast  shut  thy 
door,  pray  to  thy  Father  which  is  in  secret;  and  thy 
Father  which  seeth  in  secret,  shall  reward  thee 
openly.'    Matt.  vi.  6." 

"To  retire  occasionally  during  the  day,  and  espe- 
cially at  the  beginning  and  end  of  it,  from  all  hu- 
man society,  for  the  purpose  of  self-examination  and 
prayer,  is  a  practice  which  Christianity  may  be  said 
to  enjoin,  and  which  affords  an  important  aid  to 
every  other  duty.  Such  times  of  solitary  religious 
exercise,  are  evidentl}^  useful  for  the  deepening  of 
our  humility,  and  for  the  strengthening  of  our  faith, 
our  hope,  and  our  virtue.  The  more  diligent  we 
are  in  private  communion  with  God,  the  more  con- 
spicuously shall  we  bear  the  mark  of  his  Spirit  upon 
us,  in  our  whole  demeanour  and  conversation  among 
men. 

^*Many  are  the  significant  hints  given  to  us  in 
Scripture,  on  the  subject  oi  family  religion.  The 
Lord  knew  that  Abraham  would  'command  his 
children  and  his  household  after  him'  to  'keep  the 
way  of  the  Lord.'  Gen.  xviii.  9.  Joshua  said, 'As  for 
me  and  my  house,  wq  will  serve  the  Lord.'  Josh. 
xxiv.  15.  The  Israelites  were  commanded  to  teach 
the  Lord's  precepts  to  their  children,  and  to  speak 
of  them,  as  they  sat  in  their  houses;  and  the  passover 


211 

was  celebrated  among  them  separately,  in  every 
family?'  Beut.  vi.  7;  Exod,:^\\.  21.  David  said,  *I 
will  walk  within  my  house  with  a  perfect  heart.' 
Ps.  ci.  2.  Cornelius  *feared  God  with  all  his  house.' 
Jlcts  X.  2.  'There  was  a  church  in  the  house  of 
Nymphas;  and  another  in  that  of  Philemon.'  Col. 
iv.  15;  Philem.  2.  Their  respective  families,  doubt- 
less, being  united  in  the  fellowship  of  the  gospel,  and 
in  the  daily  worship  of  God.  There  can  indeed  be 
no  doubt,  that  nearness  of  natural  connection  ought 
ever  to  be  accompanied,  among  christians,  by  a  cor- 
responding intimacy  in  matters  of  religion.  Hus- 
bands and  wives,  parents  and  children,  brothers  and 
sisters,  should  be  helpers  of  each  other's  faith  and 
joy;  and  should  account  it  a  privilege  of  no  trifling 
value,  to  frequent  the  throne  of  grace  in  each  other's 
company.  With  respect  to  our  children,  more  par- 
ticularly, it  is  surely  our  duty,  by  watchful  instruc- 
tion, and  sometimes  by  uniting  with  them  in  their 
private  religious  exercises,  to  train  them  in  the  habit 
of  daily  prayer — just  as  we  see  the  parent  bird,  by 
frequent  example  and  experiment,  teaching  and  in- 
ducing her  young  ones  to  use  the  wings  which  God 
has  given  them. 

"Nor  ought  we  to  neglect  to  extend  a  religious 
care  over  our  servants.  Our  whole  household  should 
be  united,  at  least  once  in  a  day,  in  the  reading  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  in  drawing  near,  in  spirit, 
to  that  Gracious  Being  from  whom  we  derive  all 
our  blessings,  both  temporal  and  spiritual." 

''How  desirable  then  is  it,  that  in  dependence  on 
the  grace  of  God,  which  can  alone  turn  the  heart  of 
man,  we  should  make  the  best  use  of  this  facility  in 
our  nature,  and  cultivate  both  in  ourselves  and 
others,  a  taste  for  devotion !  The  christian  must  be 
careful  not  to  cast  a  gloom  over  religion.  He  is 
brought  into  the  sunshine  of  truth;  and  under  its 


212 

gladdening  influence,  he  must  himself  learn,  that  he 
must  endeavour  to  teach  his  children,  to  take  delight 
in  religious  pursuits;  and,  above  all,  in  the  worship 
of  the  Creator/' 

''For  this,  as  well  as  other  reasons,  it  may  be  re- 
garded as  a  christian  duty,  to  set  apart  an  hour  or 
two  during  the  week,  besides  the  Sabbath  day,  for 
the  solemn  and  happy  purpose  of  public  worship. 
The  temporary  exchange  of  our  usual  pursuits  for 
this  holy  employment — while  the  world  at  large  is 
engrossed  in  its  own  concerns — can  scarcely  fail  to 
be  profitable  to  our  souls,  and  acceptable  to  our  God 
and  Saviour.  But  how  precious  to  every  one  who 
is  serious  in  the  pursuit  of  heavenly  things,  is  the 
Sabbath  itself!  What  cause  for  thankfulness  is  it, 
that  God  has  ordained  the  cessation  of  worldly  la- 
bours on  every  recurring  seventh  day,  that  his  chil- 
dren may  enjoy  a  wholesome  rest;  and  that  in  the 
quietness  of  this  rest,  they  may  devote  their  undi- 
vided faculties  to  communion  with  himself!" 

''Although  Christianity  is  not  a  religion  of  forms 
and  ceremonies,  it  claims  the  assistance  of  many  ex- 
ternal observances;  such,  for  example,  as  retirement 
from  society  for  the  purpose  of  private  devotion,  the 
appointment  of  stated  times  for  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures in  our  families,  the  orderly  keeping  of  the 
Sabbath  day,  and  the  regular  attendance  of  our  places 
of  public  worship.  Yet  all  these  things  are  useless, 
and  may  even  be  a  means  of  the  further  hardening 
of  our  hearts,  unless  we  maintain,  in  connection 
with  them,  the  life  of  true  worship.  'God  is  a  Spi- 
rit, and  they  that  worship  him  must  worship  him  in 
spirit  and  in  truth.'  To  frequent  the  house  of  prayer; 
to  bow  the  knee  before  him;  to  draw  near  to  him 
with  the  lip — while  our  hearts  are  far  from  him — 
can  be  regarded  only  as  a  mocker}^  and  offence." 

"Although  the  outward  offices  of  religion^  serve 


-213 

a  highly  important  purpose  in  promoting  its  practi- 
cal operation,  we  are  not  to  forget,  that,  under  di- 
vine influence,  the  soul  is  capable  of  communion 
with  God,  when  these  offices  are  withdrawn.  The 
christian  may  retire  into  the  solitude  of  his  own 
heart,  and  hold  communion  with  his  Maker,  even 
while  he  is  in  the  midst  of  a  multitude;  nor  will  his 
worship  of  that  Supreme  Object  of  his  regard  and 
aflfections,  be  confined  to  any  stated  periods  set  apart 
for  the  purpose.  He  is  taught  to  realise  the  per- 
petual presence  of  his  God;  and  on  every  passing  oc- 
casion of  life,  to  lift  up  his  heart  to  him  as  to  a  Fa- 
ther and  a  Friend.  Certainly  it  ought  to  be  the 
habit  of  our  souls,  as  the  hours  of  each  day  pass  over 
us,  frequently  to  bring  our  ignorance  and  weakness 
to  the  Fountain  of  light  and  strength — our  poverty 
and  emptiness,  to  \\\^  fulness  which  is  in  Christ, 

'Prayer  is  the  soul's  sincere  desire, 

Uttered,  or  unexpress'd; 
The  motion  of  a  hidden  fire, 

That  trembles  in  the  breast. 

'Prayer  is  the  breathing  of  a  sigh, 

The  falling  of  a  tear. 
The  upward  glancing  of  an  eye. 

When  none  but  God  is  near. 

'  Montgomery.' 

"It  is  chiefly  through  this  hidden  exercise  of  a 
devotional  mind,  that  the  christian  walks  with  God; 
and  the  more  we  are  thus  brought  into  contact  with 
his  goodness  and  power,  the  greater  will  be  our  de- 
light in  such  a  walk.  The  proneness  of  the  regene- 
rate soul  to  ascend  in  living  aspirations  after  him, 
will  constantly  increase;  and  every  act  of  secret 
communion  with  the  Lord,  will  assist  in  confirming 
that  love  towards  him,  from  which  it  springs.  Nor 
are  these  acts  confined  to  prayer — often  are  they  the 
movements  of  a  spirit  filled  with  praise.    If  it  is  our 


214 

duty  and  privilege  to  'pray  without  ceasing,'  it 
equally  becomes  us,  in  ^every  thing,'  to  'give 
thanks.'     1  Thess.  v.  17,  18. 

''It  appears,  then,  that  in  order  to  be  fitted  for 
communion  with  God,  fallen  man  must  first  repent 
and  be  reconciled  to  his  Creator — that  the  steadfast 
maintenance  of  that  communion  in  the  christian  be- 
liever, is  a  principal  means,  in  the  order  of  divine 
grace,  for  the  increase  and  confirmation  of  his  love 
— that  he  is  therefore  bound  to  exercise  diligence  in 
the  devotional  duties  of  the  closet,  of  the  family  cir- 
cle, and  of  the  church — that  the  outward  part  of 
these  duties  is  salutary  and  even  needful,  as  an  aid 
to  inward  worship;  but  that  without  life,  it  is  use- 
less, and  may  even  be  injurious — finally,  that  the 
secret  intercourse  of  the  soul  with  God,  is  the  vital 
breath  of  the  christian,  and  ought  to  pervade  the 
whole  course  of  his  conversation  and  experience." 

"Communion  is  in  its  nature  reciprocal.  Not 
only  are  we  to  pour  out  our  souls  in  prayer  to  the 
Lord;  but  we  are  to  receive  his  mind,  or  counsel, 
in  return.  It  is  on  this  ground,  as  I  conceive,  that 
the  reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  forms  an  essen- 
tial part  of  our  private  and  family  devotional  duties; 
for  in  that  sacred  volume,  God  condescends  to 
speak  to  us — to  develope  his  mind  for  our  instruc- 
tion, guidance,  and  consolation.  And,  on  the  same 
principle,  we  recognise  a  connection  between  public 
worship  and  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  which  um- 
iovmXy  p7'ofesses  to  be  an  expression  of  the  mind  of 
God.  And  such  undoubtedly  it  ever  will  be,  so 
long  as  it  is  scriptural  in  its  character,  and  is  offered 
under  the  influence  and  teaching  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
But  our  Heavenly  Father  is  graciously  pleased  to 
communicate  his  will  to  man,  by  a  voice  which 
speaks  within,  and  which  will  ever  direct  us  in  the 
way  of  holiness.    As  long  as  his  reconciled  children 


215 

obey  that  voice,  and  lead  a  life  of  righteousness,  so 
long  are  they  the  children  of  light,  and  enjoy  a  free 
communion  with  him  in  whom  there  is  no  dark- 
ness. But  no  sooner  do  they  disobey  their  divine 
Monitor,  and  follow  the  devices  of  their  own  hearts, 
than  their  communion  with  God  is  interrupted. 
Even  an  angry  feeling,  or  a  polluting  thought,  will 
hinder  the  breathing  of  the  soul  towards  the  eternal 
Source  of  peace  and  purity.  The  spiritual  man  is 
gifted  with  a  knowledge  of  4he  mind  of  Christy 
(1  Cor.  ii.  19,)  and  just  in  the  degree  in  which  he 
is  conformed  to  it,  in  his  own  disposition  and  con- 
duct, he  is  capable  of  communing  with  God,  in  that 
pure  love  which  sin  alone  can  separate." 

"It  has  been  fully  proved  that  all  particles  of  mat- 
ter attract  one  another;  and  that  the  force  of  that 
attraction  (until  they  come  into  apparent  contact,) 
is  in  the  inverse  proportion  of  the  squares  of  their 
distances.  Philosophers  have  ascertained  not  only 
the  existence,  but  as  far  as  the  scope  of  their  inves- 
tigation extends,  the  ubiquity  of  this  law;  which  in- 
deed appears  to  be  God's  chosen  instrument  for  pre- 
serving the  material  universe  in  its  present  order. 
But  of  its  origin  it  is  utterly  out  of  their  power  to 
give  any  account  but  one — God  said,  Let  it  be,  and 
it  was.  Whatsoever,  indeed,  may  be  the  triumphs 
of  inductive  philosophy,  in  classifying  and  general- 
izing the  operations  of  nature,  and  in  reducing  the 
apparent  number  of  the  laws  by  which  she  is  go- 
verned, our  ultimate  resort — the  final  rest  for  the 
inquisitiveness  of  man's  mind — can  be  found  only 
in  the^«/  of  omnipotence. 

*^Now  it  is  impossible  for  the  christian  to  doubt 
that  the  will  of  God,  even  in  the  government  of  the 
material  world,  is  moved  by  a  spring  of  infinite 
wisdom  and  benevolence;  and  that  all  the  laws  of 
nature  are  what  they  are,  because  it  is  best  that  they 


216 

should  be  so — best  for  the  ultimate  happiness  of  his 
rational  creatures,  and  best  for  his  own  glory. 

'^Between  the  course  of  nature  and  that  oi provi- 
dence, there  is  an  obvious,  and  in  this  world,  a  ne- 
cessary connection.  But  the  latter  assumes  a  dis- 
tinct character,  when  regarded  as  the  order  in  which 
the  Supreme  Governor  of  the  world,  deals  w^ith  his 
rational  creature,  man.  The  laws  by  which  these 
dealings  are  regulated,  are  by  no  means  so  clearly 
inscribed  on  the  annals  of  man's  history,  in  this 
lower  world,  as  are  the  laws  of  nature  on  the  face 
of  the  material  universe.  Yet  we  are  not  left  with- 
out some  perceptible  indications,  that  they  are  gene- 
ral and  permanent;  above  all,  that  they  are  moral, 
exactly  adapted  to  the  holiness  and  benevolence  of 
the  Deity.  These  indications  are  amply  confirmed 
in  scripture,  which  teaches  us  that  God  is  holy — 
that  he  is  also  love — and  that  he  deals  with  man- 
kind, under  every  variety  of  time,  place,  and  cir- 
cumstances, on  principles  of  perfect  righteousness, 
which  can  never  change.  If  ^clouds  and  darkness,^ 
are  ^round  about  him,  justice  and  judgment  are  the 
habitations  of  his  throne.' 

^'Experience  affords  sufficient  evidence  that  the 
main  law  by  which  the  course  of  divine  providence 
towards  man  is  regulated,  is  that  virtue  should  pro- 
duce happiness,  and  vice  misery.  But  this  law  is 
checked  and  modified  by  two  provisions  of  vast 
practical  importance.  The  first  is,  that  man  is  here 
placed  in  a  state  of  trial,  involving  many  dangers 
and  temptations;  in  order  that  his  character  may  be 
put  to  the  proof,  and  finally  developed  as  a  ground 
of  judgment  to  come.  The  second  is,  that  this  state 
of  trial  is  appointed  to  serve  the  purpose  of  moral 
discipline,  that  by  an  experimental  process,  (often 
of  a  rough  and  mysterious  nature)  we  may,  under 
grace,  be  weaned  from  our  iniquities,  and  trained  to 


217 

those  dispositions  which  are  alone  suited  to  the  hea- 
venly state.     We  have  no  reason,  therefore,  to  be 
astonished  at  that  trial  of  the  saint's  faith,  to  which 
the  sacred   writers  so  frequently  allude;    namely, 
that  in  this  lower  scene  of  action,  vice  is  often  tri- 
umphant, and  virtue  as  often  depressed  and  per- 
secuted.    Look  at  some  fragment  of  an  animal — 
some  broken  pieces  of  a  claw  or  a  bone — how  un- 
sightly it  appears;  how  unworthy  of  the  hand  of 
infinite  skill  and  wisdom!     But  let  it  be  seen  in 
connection  with  its  corresponding  parts.     Let  the 
animal  stand   before  us  in  his   native  beauty  and 
vigour.   How  perfect  is  the  living  machinery!  how 
well  it  works!  how  seemly  are  its  proportions!  how 
unexceptionable  the  whole  creature!     Just  so  the 
apparent  interruptions  of  God's  righteous  govern- 
ment,  in    this   world  of  darkness,    may  be    to    us 
very  strange   and  unsightly;  yet  there  can  be  no 
question,  that  in  their  connection  with  the  univer- 
sal scope  of  that  government,  they  will,  in  the  end, 
be  found  to  form  part  of  a  perfectly  harmonious  and 
glorious  whole. 

'*In  considering  the  manifestations  of  the  will  of 
God,  in  nature  and  providence,  we  advert  to  laws 
with  which  no  creature  can  intermeddle;  for  he  has 
not  only  ordained  them,  but  by  the  unceasing  exer- 
tions of  an  omnipresent  power,  himself  carries  them 
into  execution.  But  there  is  another  branch  of  the 
subject,  with  which  we  have  a  still  more  immediate 
and  pressing  concern — The  will  of  God  respecting 
our  own  conduct.  Here  he  sees  fit  to  deal  with  us 
as  free  and  responsible  agents;  he  permits  us  to 
choose  between  good  and  evil;  he  gives  us  a  timely 
notice  of  their  respective  consequences;  he  offers 
his  gracious  aid,  to  enable  us  to  walk  in  the  way  of 
righteousness;  he  wills,  without  compelling,  our 
holiness. 
19 


218 

'^The  will  of  God,  as  it  relates  to  the  conduct  of 
his  rational  creatures,  is  manifested  in  certain  per- 
manent rules,  which  constitute  his  moral  law;  and 
it  is  one  of  the  chief  triumphs  of  the  religion  of  the 
Bible,  that  it  overthrows  all  fallacious  standards  of 
morals — such  as  the  ^fitness'  of  the  Stoics,  and  the 
^utility'  of  the  Epicureans — and  settles  every  ques- 
tion of  right  and  wrong,  by  a  simple  reference  to  the 
will  of  Omnipotence.  Yet  this  will  is  itself  deter- 
mined by  unchangeable  principles  of  holiness,  jus- 
tice, benevolence  and  truth.  These  attributes  are 
essential  to  the  nature  of  our  Heavenly  Father;  and 
they  are  the  ultimate  foundation  of  his  law. 

**The  moral  laws  of  God,  as  they  relate  to  our- 
selves, are  the  expression  of  his  righteous  will;  and 
both  the  will  and  the  expression  of  it  are  necessary, 
in  order  to  render  us  responsible  for  our  actions  to 
the  Author  of  our  being.  For  in  the  absence  of 
either,  there  can,  to  us,  be  no  law;  and  ^ where 
no  law  is,  there  is  no  transgression.'  How  then  is 
the  moral  will  of  God  expressed  to  his  creature 
man? 

''In  the  first  place,  it  is  revealed  in  the  heart;  so 
that  by  intuitive  perception,  every  man  knows  that 
virtue  is  right,  and  vice  is  wrong.  Whatsoever  may 
be  the  perversions  of  our  conscience  in  the  fall, 
there  is  a  light  which  so  far  illuminates  it,  that  we 
cannot  but  approve  of  justice,  honesty  and  benevo- 
lence, and  condemn  the  contrary,  both  in  our  ac- 
tions and  in  those  of  others;  and  the  more  this  light 
is  followed  in  practice,  the  more  bright  does  it  shine; 
the  more  tender  and  effective  does  the  conscience 
become.  There  are  three  elements  in  this  matter; 
first,  the  natural  percipient  power,  which  is  con- 
science; secondly,  the  eternal  moral  truth,  which  is 
the  object  perceived;  and  thirdly,  the  light  by  which 
that  moral  truth  is  revealed,  and  through  which. 


219 

therefore,  it  becomes  law  to  ourselves.  Now  I  con- 
ceive that  this  light — whether  more  or  less  faint — 
is  of  far  too  pure  a  character  to  be  ascribed  to  cor- 
rupt human  nature;  and  that  it  must  rather  be  re- 
garded as  the  universal  visitation  of  a  divine  influ- 
ence, bestowed  on  mankind  through  the  redemption 
which  is  in  Christ. 

"How  unspeakably  would  it  promote  our  happi- 
ness, were  we  more  obedient  to  the  law  of  God,  as 
it  is  written  on  the  tablets  of  the  heart!  In  the 
meantime,  however,  the  same  law  is  unfolded  in 
the  Holy  Scriptures.  It  was  confirmed,  by  revela- 
tion to  the  patriarchs  and  prophets  of  old;  it  formed 
an  essential  part  of  the  Mosaic  dispensation;  and  as 
the  tables  of  stone  on  which  it  was  written,  were 
safely  kept  in  the  ark  of  the  Covenant,  so  is  the  law 
itself  inclosed  and  preserved  inviolate,  in  the  bosom 
of  Christianity.^' 

'*Nor  are  we  left  to  conjecture  what  are  the  par- 
ticular characteristics  of  that  life  of  holiness,  into 
which  the  faith  of  the  christian  is  intended  to  con- 
duct him.  Every  separate  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  dis- 
tinctly set  before  us;  and  is  pressed  upon  our  atten- 
tion for  its  own  sake,  and  as  it  were,  on  its  own 
merits — love  and  loyalty  to  God,  reliance  on  his 
goodness,  devotion  to  the  service  of  Christ,  the 
fixing  of  the  soul  on  heaven,  watchfulness,  perse- 
verance in  prayer,  purity  of  heart,  integrity,  tem- 
perance, fortitude,  patience,  meekness,  forbearance, 
long-suffering,  the  return  of  good  for  evil,  gentle- 
ness, lowliness  of  mind,  and  that  universal  charity 
which  is  the  bond  of  perfectness." 

"From  the  view  which  has  now  been  taken  of  the 
manifestations  of  the  will  of  God,  in  nature,  in  pro- 
vidence, and  in  grace,  some  conception  may  be 
formed  of  the  comprehensiveness  of  that  short  peti- 
tion— so  often  used,  but  so  little  understood — *7%y 


220 

will  be  done  on  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.'*  In 
heaven  the  will  of  God  is  done  perfectly.  No  mur- 
murs against  his  laws,  either  natural  or  moral,  find 
their  way  into  the  breasts  of  angels  and  glorified 
spirits;  no  weakness  of  the  flesh,  no  lingering  cor- 
ruption, interrupts  their  obedience  to  the  King  of 
kings.  Such  then  is  the  mark,  at  which  it  is  our 
duty  constantly  to  aim.  A  perfect  submission  to 
the  will  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  is  the  only  prac- 
tical standard  proposed  to  us  by  Christianity. 

"Now  submission  to  the  divine  will  consists  of 
two  parts — first,  resignation  in  suffering;  and 
secondly,  obedience  in  acting.^^ 

<<There  is  nothing  more  distasteful  to  the  natural 
man,  than  the  piercing  spirituality,  the  comprehen- 
sive grasp,  and  the  binding  authority,  of  God's  pre- 
cepts. The  child  of  darkness  prefers  his  own  de- 
vices— he  is  a  rebel  to  the  core.  But  Christianity 
requires  an  uncompromising  compliance  with  the 
whole  counsel  of  God,  as  it  relates  to  our  conduct. 
Our  whole  life  must  be  regulated  by  the  directions 
of  his  perfect  law.  No  rebellious  feeling,  no  cor- 
rupt motive  or  thought,  must  be  harboured;  no  fa- 
vourite sin  spared;  no  unwelcome  duty  omitted. 
We  must  'walk  in  the  light,  as  [God]  is  in  the 
light,' — implicitly  following  the  dictates  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  who  guides  into  all  righteousness." 

^'Having  repented  of  all  his  transgressions,  and 
having  cast  the  burthen  of  them  on  the  Lord,  the 
believer  is  no  longer  oppressed  with  the  slavish  fears 
of  a  condemned  criminal.  He  enjoys  the  privilege 
of  filial  freedom.  Delivered  by  a  hand  of  infinite 
mercy  from  guilt  and  condemnation,  he  is  at  liberty 
to  run,  with  all  diligence,  in  the  way  of  God's  com- 
mandments; while  the  humble  yet  settled  hope  of 
a  glorious  immortality  animates  his  zeal,  and  quick- 
ens his  footsteps  in  the  race  of  virtue." 


221 

"But  no  sooner  is  a  man's  heart  made  tender, 
than  he  begins  to  form  a  just  estimate  of  christian 
truth.  He  no  longer  denies  either  its  authority  or 
its  importance.  He  embraces  it  readily,  as  his  hope 
and  his  salvation;  and,  proving  his  faith  by  his  obe- 
dience, he  is  soon  rewarded  with  an  increase  of  his 
knowledge.  The  Spirit  takes  of  the  things  of  Christ, 
and  unfolds  them  to  his  soul. 

"Now  as  love  makes  way  for  faith,  and  faith 
works  by  love,  so  it  is  unquestionably  true,  that  the 
exercise  of  faith — the  fixing  of  the  heart  and  under- 
standing on  Christ  as  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the 
life — has  a  mighty  efficacy  in  increasing  and  con- 
firming our  love  to  God.  It  brings  him  near  to  us 
in  the  perfection  of  his  holiness,  and  in  the  fulness 
of  his  mercy;  it  presents  him  to  us  in  Christ  Jesus, 
as  the  worthy  object  of  profound  adoration  and  un- 
bounded gratitude.  The  stronger  and  more  simple 
our  faith  therefore  in  the  truth  and  promises  of 
Scripture — the  more  cordial  and  complete  our  re- 
ception of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ — the  more  fer- 
vent will  be  our  love  to  that  holy  and  glorious  Be- 
ing who  is  the  Author  of  all  our  mercies. 

"Vain,  however,  will  be  our  belief  in  the  glad 
tidings  of  salvation  through  the  crucified  Immanuel, 
unless  it  be  followed  by  a  holy  decision  of  mind  in 
giving  up  ourselves  to  God.  The  want  of  this  holy 
decision  may  be  regarded  as  the  second  grand  cause 
of  the  imperfections  which  so  often  interrupt  our 
conformity  to  the  divine  will." 

'^  '1  beseech  you,  therefore,  brethren,  by  the 
mercies  of  God,  that  ye  present  your  bodies  a  liv- 
ing sacrifice,  holy,  acceptable  unto  God,  which  is 
your  reasonable  service;  and  be  not  conformed  to 
this  world,  but  be  ye  transformed  by  the  renewing 
of  your  mind,  that  you  may  prove  which  is  that 
19* 


222 

good,  and  acceptable,  and  perfect  will  of  God/ 
Bom.  xii.  1,  2." 

"Our  true  wisdom  will  be  found  in  a  close  at- 
tention to  the  duty  of  the  day — the  hour — the  mo- 
ment. Every  touch  of  the  rod  of  God's  providence 
which  brings  us  into  suffering,  must  be  met  by  a 
corresponding  readiness  to  submit  to  the  infliction. 
Every  little  pointing  of  the  divine  finger,  to  the 
sacrifice  of  a  wrong  desire,  or  to  the  performance  of 
an  act  of  duty,  must  be  watched  with  an  observant 
eye,  and  followed  with  implicit  obedience.  Thus 
will  our  love  to  God  put  forth  its  energy  on  a  mul- 
titude of  small  occasions;  it  will  gain  new  strength 
by  its  success  in  every  step  of  the  process;  and  when 
our  divine  master  sees  fit  to  ordain  some  greater 
trial  of  our  allegiance,  we  shall  find,  to  our  inex- 
pressible advantage,  that  we  are  his  own — resigned 
to  his  disposal,  and  ready  for  his  service.  ^Who- 
ever shall  do  the  will  of  God,'  said  Jesus  to  his  fol- 
lowers, Hhe  same  is  tjii/  brother,  and  my  sister, 
and  m,y  mother.^     Mark  iii.  35." 

*^A  perfect  subjection  to  the  will  of  God,  is  the 
only  practical  standard  of  Christianity — that  this 
subjection  consists  of  resignation  in  suffering,  and 
obedience  in  acting — that  these  must  be  grounded, 
first,  on  living  faith  in  the  gospel  of  our  Redeemer; 
secondly,  on  a  holy  decision  in  surrendering  our- 
selves to  God — that  such  a  surrender  is  prompted 
by  love,  and  adds  vast  force  to  it — that  the  chris- 
tian is  thus  prepared  for  his  whole  course  of  virtue 
and  piety,  and  that  by  every  step  which  he  takes 
in  that  course,  his  love  to  God  is  brightened  and 
confirmed." 

<^We  now  advert  to  a  second  principle  of  much 
practical  importance — that  the  love  which  good 
characters  excite  in  the  minds  of  men,  who  have 
'any  spark  of  goodness'  in  themselves,  is  always 


223 

accompanied  by  a  desire  to  imitate  the  pattern 
which  they  admire  and  approve.  What  ingenuous 
person  can  find  his  best  afiections  drawn  forth  by 
noble  and  generous  characters  in  the  history  of  his 
country,  without  feeling  some  ardent  wishes  to  act 
on  the  same  principles  of  virtue  and  charity?  The 
force  of  example  is  felt  even  in  large  communities; 
and  goodness,  under  the  divine  blessing,  is  often 
diflfused  in  society,  through  the  tendency,  so  com- 
mon amongst  men,  to  imitate  those  of  their  neigh- 
bours who  are  the  objects  of  their  regard.  The 
same  principle  applies  with  redoubled  force  to  the 
domestic  circle.  When  we  are  instructed  and  com- 
forted from  day  to  day  by  the  good  conduct  of  our 
dearest  friends,  it  is  impossible  for  us  (if  our  minds 
be  in  any  degree  under  a  right  influence)  not  to  de- 
sire— and  almost  impossible  not  to  endeavour — to 
be  of  the  same  mind,  the  same  character." 

"It  appears,  then,  first,  that  when  there  is  any 
spark  of  goodness  in  men,  their  love  and  regard  is 
naturally  attracted  by  virtuous  characters;  and  that 
although  this  principle,  as  it  respects  God,  is  griev- 
ously hindered  by  the  weakness  and  corruption  of 
our  nature,  it  is,  nevertheless,  verified  by  the  ex- 
perience of  every  true  christian — secondly,  that  one 
attachment  to  persons  distinguished  by  moral  excel- 
lence, is  inseparably  connected  with  some  desire  to 
imitate  their  example — that  the  christian  is  inspired 
with  an  earnest  solicitude  to  be  a  follower  of  God 
himself." 

<*The  more  any  community  of  men  is  set  free 
from  degrading  and  vicious  practices,  the  greater 
will  be  their  esteem  for  their  virtuous  members. 
The  more  the  child  is  strengthened  in  his  moral 
principles,  the  more  he  will  love  the  parent  in 
whose  conduct  those  principles  are  displayed. 

"From  these  premises,  it  plainly  follows,  that 


224 

precisely  in  proportion  to  the  christian's  improve- 
ment in  holiness,  will  be  the  increase  of  his  love  to 
a  holy  God  and  Saviour.  Let  the  work  of  sanctifi- 
cation  go  forward  in  our  souls,  and  what  will  be  the 
blessed  consequence?  Our  sense  of  the  glory  and 
excellence  of  the  divine  character  will  be  refined 
and  exalted;  our  hatred  for  sin,  and  our  reverence 
for  righteousness,  will  become  determined;  and  the 
love  which  leads  us  to  imitate  the  Saviour,  will 
grow  stronger  and  stronger  as  the  process  of  assimi- 
lation advances.  The  more  we  resemble  him  and 
partake  of  his  mind  and  character,  the  warmer  will 
be  our  regard  for  him,  and  the  closer  that  bond  of 
union,  in  which  we  can  say,  with  the  church  of  old, 
^my  beloved  is  mine,  and  I  am  his.'  Cant.  ii.  16. 
And  in  being  thus  brought  nearer  to  the  Son,  we 
are  brought  nearer  to  the  Father  also.  Every  ele- 
ment of  discord  and  separation  between  God  and  his 
children,  is  gradually  removed;  and  as  sin  disap- 
pears, love  triumphs  over  all.'' 

"Experience  afibrds  many  proofs  that  men,  being 
evil,  'know  how  to  give  good  gifts'  unto  their  'chil- 
dren.' The  father  of  a  family  provides  food  for  his 
wife  and  little  ones,  by  the  labour  of  his  hands;  and 
is  constrained  to  do  so  by  the  gentle  yet  constant 
impulse  of  natural  affection.  The  mother  watches 
with  ceaseless  care  over  the  couch  of  her  sick  infant, 
and  is  urged  by  feelings  of  a  most  tender  character 
to  soothe  its  sufferings,  even  at  the  cost  of  her  own 
ease  and  comfort.  Brothers  and  sisters,  relations 
and  friends,  are  perpetually  seen  enjoying  each 
other's  company,  and  assisting  one  another  by  a 
thousand  little  offices  of  kindness.  In  some  of  these 
instances,  especially  in  that  of  the  watchful  mother, 
something  may  be  placed  to  the  account  of  natural 
instinct;  yet  we  cannot  deny,  that  benevolence  has 
its  share  of  influence  in  producing  these  effects;  and 


225 

this  quality  becomes  still  more  conspicuous  when 
men  are  found  to  be  willing,  as  they  very  generally 
are,  to  relieve  the  distresses  of  their  fellow-men, 
with  whom  they  have  little  or  no  connection,  but 
that  of  a  common  nature." 

"It  is  impossible  to  deny  the  existence  of  these 
kindly  dispositions  in  man;  and  it  would  be  ungrate- 
ful to  our  gracious  Creator,  to  underrate  their  va- 
lue.'^ 

"The  plain  fact  is,  that  the  affection  of  love,  in 
the  breast  of  man,  will  never  be  regulated  on  prin- 
ciples of  true  morality,  or  be  found  of  a  pure  and 
stable  character,  until  it  be  directed,  in  the  first 
place,  to  that  glorious  Being  who  is  its  proper  and 
supreme  object.  It  is  when  our  love  has  been  taught 
to  flow,  in  an  undivided  stream,  towards  God,  that 
it  pursues  its  course — or  rather,  that  it  is  sent  back 
from  him — with  a  force  unknown  before,  towards 
all  who  stand  in  the  same  relation  to  him  as  our- 
selves; for  we  are  children  of  one  Father. 

<*Let  us  picture  to  ourselves  some  large  family 
of  sons  and  daughters,  who  have  been  cherished, 
with  an  impartial  regard,  by  their  earthly  parents. 
Should  these  children  make  no  return  for  parental 
kindness  but  indifference  and  neglect,  it  is  morally 
impossible  that  there  should  be  any  stable  principle 
in  their  friendship  for  each  other;  the  bond  subsist- 
ing among  them  must  be  loose  and  uncertain  in  the 
extreme.  But  should  they,  on  the  contrary,  be  vir- 
tuous, the  love  of  every  child  in  the  fireside  group, 
would  flow  without  restriction,  in  the  first  place, 
towards  his  parents;  and,  in  the  next  place,  towards 
his  brothers  and  sisters,  those  equal  sharers  with 
himself  of  a  father's  tenderness  and  a  mother's 
care." 

"The  claims  of  our  Heavenly  Father  on  our  love 
and  gratitude,  are  incomparably  superior  to  those  of 


226 

any  earthly  parent;  and  when  these  claims  are  ac- 
knowledged and  felt,  our  love  to  our  fellow-men, 
the  common  objects  with  ourselves  of  his  goodness, 
both  in  creation  and  providence,  rests  on  a  secure 
basis;  it  becomes  what  it  never  was  before,  a  hea- 
ven-born  affection.  But  what  vast  additional  force 
is  imparted  to  this  affection,  through  the  gospel  of 
our  Redeemer!  When  the  great  truth  is  impressed 
on  our  hearts,  that  God  sent  his  own  Son  into  the 
world  to  save  us." 

'^We  have  seen  that  those  who  truly  love  God, 
are  distinguished  by  a  cordial  desire  and  endeavour 
to  resemble  the  object  of  their  regard.  But  there 
is  not  one  of  his  moral  attributes  more  clearly  placed 
within  the  scope  of  our  perception  and  imitation, 
than  his  love  to  man.^' 

*<When  the  lawyer  questioned  Jesus,  saying, 
'Master,  which  is  the  great  commandment  of  the 
law?  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  th}^  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul, 
and  with  all  thy  mind.  This  is  the  first  and  great 
commandment.     And   the  second  is  like  unto  it, 

THOU  SHALT  LOVE  THY  NEIGHBOUR  AS  THYSELF." 

"Hence  it  appears,  that  under  the  gospel  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  all  men  of  every  colour  and 
country  who  fall  under  our  notice,  or  are  within  the 
reach  of  our  influence,  must  be  regarded  as  our 
neighbours;  and  that  it  is  our  duty  to  love  them  as 
we  love  ourselves.  Nor  does  the  mere  distance  of 
the  party  from  us,  deprive  him  of  this  character;  for 
Christianity  is  a  diffusive  religion.  Under  its  influ- 
ence, we  have  to  do  with  millions  whom  we  have 
never  seen;  and  while  it  in  no  degree  weakens  the 
pre-eminent  claims  upon  us,  of  our  own  country- 
men, it  supplies  us  with  neighbours,  whom  it  is  our 
duty  to  serve,  in  the  remotest  part  of  the  habitable 
globe.     When  the  apostles  were  commanded  to  go 


227 

forth  and  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  salvation 
to  every  creature  under  heaven,  they  were  taught, 
by  the  very  command  itself,  to  regard  every  crea- 
ture under  heaven^  as  their  neighbour  and  their 
friend.^' 

"It  appears  then,  that  the  enmity  of  any  persons, 
or  of  any  nations  of  men,  against  ourselves,  has  no 
effect  in  removing  them  from  the  class  of  our  neigh- 
hours;  we  must  still  love  them,  and  treat  them  as 
our  friends.  In  short,  the  term  ^neighbour,'  in  this 
comprehensive  law,  extends,  under  the  gospel,  with- 
out any  kind  of  exception,  to  the  whole  family  of 
our  fellow  nien.^' 

"The  measure  of  the  love  which  the  christian  is 
required  to  bear  towards  his  neighbour,  is  the  love 
which  he  lawfully  entertains  for  himself — *Thou 
shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as  thyself^  Although  the 
love  of  self  is  miserably  perverted  and  exaggerated 
in  the  fall,  so  that,  in  point  of  fact,  it  has  become 
self-worship,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  affec- 
tion, within  its  true  limits,  belongs  to  man's  origi- 
nal nature,  and  forms  an  important  part  of  his  mental 
constitution.  It  is  the  affection  which  leads  us,  by 
a  never  failing  impulse,  to  seek  our  own  safety  and 
happiness;  and,  when  rectified  by  divine  grace,  and 
applied  in  a  right  direction.^  it  becomes  a  powerful 
instrument  for  our  good.  Now  the  christian's  love 
for  his  neighbour  ought  to  be  precisely  the  same  in 
character  as  his  love  for  himself — strong,  constant, 
well-principled,  and  effective.  It  ought  also  to  be 
the  same  in  degree;  so  far  as  to  lead  us  to  do  unto 
others,  as  we  would  have  them,  under  the  same  cir- 
cumstances, do  unto  ourselves." 

"If  this  love  had  always  prevailed  among  profess- 
ing christians,  where  would  have  been  the  sword  of 
the  crusader?" 

^'Love,  indeed,  imparts  both  eyes  and  wings  to 


228 

justice.  It  is  when  our  depraved  aflfections  are  rec- 
tified, that  we  take  an  enlightened  view  of  the  rela- 
tions of  our  fellow  men  towards  ourselves,  and  of  the 
claims  on  our  justice,  which  those  relations  involve. 
Again,  it  is  love  which  makes  us  swifl  to  shun  the 
evil  which  justice  forbids,  and  to  do  the  good  which 
she  demands.  At  the  same  time,  it  cannot  be  de- 
nied, that  under  the  softening  touches  of  religion, 
charity  and  mercy  are  sometimes  found  to  be  easier 
to  frail  man  than  the  hardier  virtue  of  strict  in- 
tegrity. This  is  a  point  of  danger  which  requires 
a  peculiar  guard,  and  which  is  too  often  neglected, 
to  the  great  loss  and  injury  of  the  cause  of  Christ. 
Let  it  ever  be  remembered,  that  the  unbending 
maintenance  of  the  rule  of  right  towards  our  fellow 
men,  is  the  first  and  most  indispensable  result  of 
that  holy  law — ^Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour  as 
thyself.' 

**When  we  are  conscious  that  we  have  fulfilled 
the  claims  of  justice,  our  charity  has  free  scope;  and 
if  we  abide  under  the  influence  of  divine  grace,  it 
will  soon  be  found  exerting  itself  in  every  direc- 
tion." 

'^The  law  of  love  to  our  neighbour,  and  its  cor- 
responding ^golden  rule,'  are  far  indeed  from  being 
restricted,  as  to  their  object,  to  the  poor  and  distress- 
ed among  men.  They  teach  us  to  fulfil  our  chris- 
tian duties  towards  the  king  upon  his  throne;  towards 
^magistrates  who  are  sent  by  him;'  towards  all  who 
have  a  just  authority  over  us;  towards  our  equals 
and  associates;  towards  those  who  are  placed  under 
our  care,  or  are  engaged  in  our  service — in  fact, 
through  the  whole  train  of  our  relations  iyi  life. 
Under  the  blessed  influence  of  love,  it  is  the  office 
oi justice,  to  ^render  unto  all  their  dues,'  and  to  re- 
frain from  injuring  any  man  in  word,  thought,  or 
deed;  and  it  is  that  of  charity,  to  impart  to  others 


229 

as  much  happiness  as  it  is  in  our  power  to  bestow. 
Bitterness,  wrath,  envy  and  detraction,  must  all 
disappear  under  the  melting  ray  of  the  law  of  love; 
and  in  their  place  must  spring  up  kindness,  universal 
good  will,  tenderness  of  spirit,  forbearance,  the  wil- 
ling preference  of  others,  and  Christian  courtesy." 

<<Were  we  to  inquire  of  the  Christian,  which  of 
all  his  privileges  he  most  dearly  prizes,  he  would 
not  fail  to  answer — the  knowledge  of  divine  truth; 
and  the  blessed  hope  of  everlasting  life,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour.  How,  then,  can  he  love 
his  neighbour  as  himself — how  can  he  do  to  others 
as  he  would  that  others  (under  like  circumstances) 
should  do  to  him — without  endeavouring  to  com- 
municate to  his  fellow  men  these  dearest  of  blessings? 
If  Christian  charity  constrains  him  to  be  ever  on 
the  watch  for  the  temporal  benefit  of  his  fellow  men, 
how  much  more  for  their  spiritual  and  eternal  wel- 
fare! 

^*The  ministry  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  is  pre- 
eminently a  work  of  love.  Under  the  influence  of 
this  pure  affection  towards  God  and  man,  the  first 
preachers  of  Christianity  were  brought  into  sym- 
pathy with  the  condition  of  the  people;  and  they 
were  made  willing  to  undergo  every  description 
of  privation  and  suffering,  and  even  to  offer  up  their 
lives,  in  order  to  make  known  to  sinners,  the  cru- 
cified and  risen  Saviour.  ''Neither  count  I  my  life 
dear  unto  myself,"  said  the  apostle  Paul,  '*so  that  I 
might  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry 
which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify 
the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God."  (t/^c^^xx.  24.)  There 
can  be  no  doubt  that  the  same  blessed  motive  was 
powerfully  at  work  in  the  mind  of  an  Eliot,  a  Brain- 
erd,  a  Schwartz,  and  a  Martin;  and  can  never  fail  to 
characterize  every  true-hearted  minister  of  the  gos- 
pel, both  at  home  and  abroad.  Would  that  an  in- 
20 


230 

creasing  multitude  of  servants,  actuated  by  no  other 
motive  than  that  of  love,  and  depending  on  no  other 
influence  than  that  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  might  be 
raised  up  to  publish  the  truth  of  God,  in  every  part 
of  this  dark  and  degenerate  world!  Would  that 
there  were  a  response,  in  the  hearts  of  tens  of  thou- 
sands, to  the  call  of  Jesus  and  his  Spirit,  *Go  ye  into 
all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture.'    Mark  xvi.  15. 

"Yet  it  must  not  be  forgotten  that  while  this  call 
is  in  its  nature  select  and  specific,  the  work  of  dif- 
fusing a  knowledge  of  the  truth  is  by  no  means  re- 
stricted to  the  ministers  of  the  gospel.  The  harvest 
field  of  the  world  is  large  and  various;  giving  scope 
for  labour  of  many  difierent  kinds;  and  there  is  not  a 
Christian  upon  earth  who  ought  not,  in  some  way  or 
other,  to  promote  the  common  cause.  The  distri- 
bution of  the  Bible,  the  scriptural  education  of  the 
poor,  the  diffusion  of  religious  tracts,  are  means  of 
extending  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  to  which  no  man 
can  fairly  object,  and  which  most  men  have  some 
opportunity  of  promoting." 

**In  addition  to  efforts  of  this  description,  ser- 
vices of  a  more  directly  personal  nature,  are  fre- 
quently required  of  us,  for  the  benefit  of  our  fellow- 
men.  For  every  Christian  has  his  own  circle  of 
influence,  and  ought  to  be  a  centre  for  the  diffusion 
of  light  to  all  whom  that  circle  comprises.  Were 
we  more  strongly  actuated  by  divine  love,  more 
willing  to  take  up  our  cross  and  confess  the  Lord 
who  bought  us,  how  often  would  the  words  of 
friendly  admonition,  of  timely  warning,  or  of  warm 
encouragement,  flow  from  our  lips!  While  a  holy 
discretion  would  still  be  carefully  cherished,  how 
conspicuously  would  our  zeal  for  the  salvation  of 
souls  overcome  the  withering  influence  of  the  fear 
of  man!     Above  all,  how  watchful  should  we  be 


231 

that  our  example  might  always  tell  on  the  side  of 
truth  and  righteousness — that  our  whole  demeanour 
and  conduct  might  utter  the  language — come  and 
have  fellowship  with  us,  'because  our  fellowship  is 
with  the  Father,  and  with  his  Son,  Jesus  Christ.'  " 

*'The  precepts  of  our  Saviour  and  his  apostles  on 
this  subject  are  numerous  and  clear. — 'A  new  com- 
mandment I  give  unto  you,  that  ye  love  one  an- 
other ....  By  this  shall  all  men  know  that  ye 
are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one  to  another.' 
John  xiii.  34,  35." 

"It  is  a  remarkable  circumstance  that,  acts  of  kind- 
ness to  the  brethren  of  Christ — that  is,  to  the  living 
members  of  his  church — are  mentioned  as  the  test 
of  that  love  to  Christ  himself,  by  which  we  must 
all  be  appreciated  in  the  day  of  judgment — *Verily 
I  say  unto  you.  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto 
one  of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done 
it  UNTO  ME.'     Matt.  25,  40." 

''How  often  are  the  disciples  of  Jesus  cheered  on 
their  way,  by  the  help  and  encouragement  which 
they  derive  from  each  other;  how  often  do  they 
find,  to  their  joy  and  comfort,  that  as  'iron  sharp- 
eneth  iron,  so  a  man  sharpeneth  the  countenance  of 
his  friend!'     Prov.  xxvii.  17." 

"May  we  not  therefore  adopt,  as  our  motto,  an 
old  and  wise  saying — 'In  essentials,  unity;  in  non- 
essentials, liberty;  in  all  things,  charity?^  "* 

♦  "The  celebrated  John  Locke,  thus  addressed  himself  to  two 
female  friends,  who  were  of  a  diiferent  religious  denomination 
from  himself,  but  in  whose  society  he  had  felt  'the  unity  of  the 
Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.'  'The  more  there  is  of  this  (unity) 
in  the  life^  the  less  we  need  inquire  of  what  nation,  country, 
party,  or  persuasion  our  friends  are,  for  our  own  knowledge  is 
more  sure  to  us  than  another's.  Now  the  God  of  all  grace  grant 
that  you  may  hold  fast  that  rare  grace  of  charity ,  and  choose  that 
unbiassed  and  unbouiided  law,  which  if  it  decay  not,  will  spring 
up  mightily  as  the  waters  of  the  sanctuary,  higher  and  higher, 
until  you,  with  the  universal  church,  swim  together  in  the  ocean 
of  divine  love. ^—Manuscript  Letter.^' 


232 

''When  the  temple  of  Solomon  was  to  be  erected, 
all  the  materials  were  in  the  first  instance  hewn  into 
shape  and  polished  for  their  uses;  and  when  after- 
wards they  had  been  put  together,  without  a  sound 
in  the  house  of  any  tool  of  iron,  beautiful  was  the 
harmony  which  resulted  from  their  fitness.  So 
would  it  be  with  Christians  were  they  fully  subject 
to  that  Divine  power  which  would  level  their  pride, 
abate  their  prejudice,  and  polish  down  their  rough- 
ness. Their  junction  with  Him,  on  whom  depends 
the  security  of  the  whole  building  and  their  union 
with  each  other,  would  be  more  complete  than  it  is 
at  present.  The  holy  temple  would  arise  and 
spread  in  its  true  beauty  and  harmony;  and  the  in- 
extinguishable flame  of  love,  would  diffuse  a  gene- 
rous glow  of  warmth  and  brightness,  through  the 
whole  sacred  edifice. 

'*It  appears,  then,  first,  that  the  benevolence  of 
man  towards  man,  can  never  assume  a  stable  cha- 
racter until  his  love  is  primarily  fixed  on  God;  and 
that,  therefore,  in  the  two  commandments,  'Thou 
shalt  love  God,'  'Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbour,* 
there  is  not  only  succession,  hut  sequence — that  the 
extent  of  this  commandment  comprehends  all  man- 
kind." 

"Thus  it  appears  that  obedience  to  the  second 
great  commandment,  is  one  chosen  means  of  con- 
firming that  pure  love  to  God,  without  which  our 
souls  can  never  truly  incline  towards  heaven,  or  to 
be  fitted  for  a  participation  in  its  pleasures.  Yet 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  habit  of  benevolence 
and  brotherly  love  forms  in  itself  ^n  essential  con- 
stituent of  the  joys  of  eternity.  ^Charity  never 
faileth:  " 

"Heaven  is  a  place  of  rest  from  sin,  labour,  and 
sorrow;  but  we  can  find  no  authority  in  Scripture 
for  picturing  it  to  ourselves  as  a  region  of  indolent 


238 

repose.  On  the  contrary,  we  have  every  reason  to 
believe  that  the  more  our  faculties  are  improved 
the  more  it  will  be  our  delight  to  employ  them. 
Since  the  angels  who  never  fell  are  'ministering 
spirits  sent  forth  to  minister  for  those  who  shall  be 
heirs  of  salvation,'  (Heh.  i.  14,)  may  we  not  believe 
that  many  an  errand  and  office  of  mercy  awaits  the 
^spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect?'  " 

''But  whatever  may  be  the  truth  on  this  subject, 
it  is  certain,  that  as  the  condition  of  God's  people  is 
social  on  earth,  so  also  it  is  social  in  heaven." 

''The  rending  asunder  of  those  tender  ties  which 
here  bind  us  together  in  many  a  happy  relationship, 
is  the  most  sorrowful  accompaniment  of  death;  but 
let  us  not  be  discouraged,  for  our  Redeemer  has 
secured  for  us  a  perfect  victory  over  this  'last  ene- 
my.' For  those  who  follow  him,  death  will  be 
abolished,  and  all  its  bitter  consequences  reversed; 
every  sorrow  which  it  now  occasions  then  will  be 
turned  into  joy !  Christians,  therefore,  as  the  apos- 
tle assures  us,  must  not  sorrow  for  the  loss  of  their 
friends  as  others  do  'which  have  no  hope;  for  if  we 
believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them 
which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him.' 
{Thess.  iv.  13,  14.)  For  a  season,  indeed,  we  are 
deprived  of  their  cherished  society;  but  we  shall 
see  them  again,  we  shall  behold  their  faces  in  glory 
— unspeakably  blessed  will  be  our  reunion  with 
them  in  that  region  of  light  and  love,  where  friends 
are  no  more  parted! 

"Nor  will  our  love,  in  that  better  world,  be  re- 
stricted to  those  whom  we  have  known  on  earth. 
It  will  extend,  as  we  have  every  reason  to  believe, 
to  the  wise,  the  just,  and  the  good  of  every  gene- 
ration; and  even  to  the  several  ranks  and  orders  of 
angelic  beings;  for  all  these  belong  to  the  same 
community;  they  are  all  inhabitants  of  the  same 


234 

celestial  city.  While  the  varied  members  of  that 
blessed  and  holy  family  maintain  a  perfect  harmony 
of  design  and  feeling,  and  are  all  employed  in  wor- 
shipping their  God  and  Saviour,  they  cannot  but 
gloriously  realise  their  one-ness  in  the  Lord;  and 
they  will  be  one  in  Him,  to  all  eternity." 

*'It  may  possibly  serve  a  useful  purpose,  if  we 
concentrate  the  whole  subject  which  we  have  now 
been  discussing,  in  a  few  succinct  propositions. 

^*The  main  characteristic  of  those  happy  be- 
ings, who  dwell  in  heaven  under  the  immediate 
government  of  God  our  Saviour,  is  love  towards 
the  Supreme  Being;  and  this  love  is  absolutely 
essential,  both  to  their  employments  and  their  joys. 
On  the  contrary,  the  principal  feature  in  the  cha- 
racter of  fallen  man,  is  the  absence  of  this  love. 
Hence  it  follows,  that  before  he  can  enter  heaven, 
the  affections  of  man  must  be  changed — he  must  be 
born  again  of  the  Spirit. 

**The  grand  appointed  instrument  through  which 
this  change  is  effected,  is  the  gospel  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  in  which  are  revealed  to  us  the  mer- 
cies of  God,  for  the  restoration  and  final  happiness 
of  man.  The  gospel  is  Hhe  power  of  God  unto  sal- 
vation.' 

^'The  principal  of  them  is  the  contemplation  of 
the  Supreme  Being.  We  ought  to  contemplate 
him,  with  humble  gaatitude,  as  our  Father  by  crea- 
tion; as  the  bounteous  Giver  of  all  our  faculties  on 
the  one  hand,  and  of  the  various  provisions  of  nature 
on  the  other,  by  which  those  faculties  are  suited;  as 
the  Supreme  conductor  of  the  chain  of  events,  for 
the  ultimate  good  and  happiness  of  his  obedient 
children;  and,  above  all,  as  the  Author  of  redemp- 
tion. 

*'As  Christians,  we  are  bound  to  love  God,  not 
merely  because  of  the  benefits  bestowed  upon  our- 


235 

selves,  but  because  of  his  intrinsic  moral  perfec- 
tions, so  clearly  displayed  to  us  in  the  gospel;  and 
if  our  love  for  him  be  sincere,  it  will  excite  in  us 
an  ardent  desire  to  become  liJee  him  in  character. 
The  restoration  of  fallen  man  to  the  image  of  his 
Creator,  is  the  great  practical  purpose  of  the  religion 
of  Jesus — a  purpose  which  can  be  accomplished 
only  as  we  follow  the  example  of  Jesus  himself. 
Now  the  greater  advances  we  make  in  holiness,  the 
livelier  will  be  our  sense  of  the  'beauty'  of  Jeho- 
vah; the  more  we  are  assimilated  to  Christ,  the 
nearer  will  be  our  union  with  the  Father  and  with 
the  Son. 

"The  love  of  our  neighbour  follows  the  love  of 
God  as  a  necessary  consequence,  and  it  is  itself 
essential  to  a  right  performance  of  all  our  duties 
towards  our  fellow-men.  It  dictates  justice  and 
charity  towards  all,  and  pre-eminent  fervency  of 
affection  towards  our  fellow-Christians.  Obedience 
to  this  commandment  has  a  peculiar  tendency  to 
soften  and  enlarge  the  heart,  and  thus  to  improve 
our  capacity  for  loving  God  himself — the  supreme 
object  of  every  pure  affection." 


237 


In  arranging  the  following  memoir  of  a  very  ex- 
tensive family  connexion,  various  detached  memo- 
randums and  traditions  are  brought  into  a  condensed 
form,  in  which  it  is  probable  there  are  some  omis- 
sions that  would  be  material  to  a  correct  genealogical 
table;  but  nothing  has  been  stated  but  upon  good 
authority;  there  is  in  such  a  sketch  a  great  deal  of 
tautology,  and  no  individual  can  feel  particularly 
interested  in  every  part  of  the  following  pages,  but 
there  are  probably  some,  to  whom  severally  a  re- 
ference to  each  branch,  as  endeavoured  to  be  here 
traced,  will  have  some  interest,  and  to  such  only  is 
this  little  work  of  respect  for  the  virtues  of  those  of 
my  predecessors,  whom  I  have  only  known  from 
the  report  of  their  cotemporaries;  and  of  affection 
for  those  whom  I  have  known  and  loved,  is  dedi- 
cated; under  a  full  conviction  that  nothing  can  truly 
elevate  any  one  but  individual  worth;  taking  correct 
principle,  undeviating  integrity,  as  the  basis  of  every 
action. 

I  have  been  indebted  for  these  details  to  my 
brother  W.  L.  Fisher. 

Hannah  L.  Smith. 


21 


238 

My  ancestors  on  both  my  father's  and  mother's 
side,  who  first  emigrated  to  America,  were  Quakers. 
Considerations  of  a  conscientious  character  induced 
the  removal.  John  Fisher,  my  ancestor,  appears  to 
have  been  subjected  in  his  native  country.  Great 
Britain,  to  various  persecutions  for  his  religious 
opinions,  of  which  there  is  an  account  in  a  work 
entitled  Sufferings  of  the  Quakers.  And  James 
Logan,  my  maternal  ancestor,  was,  when  a  young 
man,  induced  by  William  Penn  to  accompany  him 
to  this  country  as  his  secretary,  as  will  be  more  fully 
adverted  to  hereafter. 

John  Fisher,  my  great  great  grandfather,  accom- 
panied William  Penn  on  his  first  voyage  to  Ame- 
rica, October  1682,  bringing  with  him  his  family, 
consisting  of  three  sons,  Thomas,  John,  and  James, 
and  several  daughters.  They  arrived  late  in  the 
autumn,  and  the  tradition  in  the  family  is,  that 
houses  there  -were  none,  and  they  were  obliged  with 
a  number  of  other  emigrants,  to  shelter  themselves 
in  temporary  huts  during  the  first  winter;  and  being 
unaccustomed  to,  and  unprepared  for  so  rigorous  a 
climate,  they  suffered  much  from  the  cold,  being 
obliged  to  unwind  the  cordage,  and  take  the  sails  of 
vessels,  to  assist  in  protecting  them. 

The  following  I  copy  from  a  manuscript  in  my 
grandfather  Joshua  Fisher's  writing. 

"My  grandfather,  John  Fisher,  removed  from 
Clithero,  in  Lancashire,  Old  England,  in  the  year 
16S2,  w^ith  all  his  children,  to  Philadelphia,  was  in 
good  esteem  among  Friends,  and  of  competent 
worldly  substance;  he  had  three  sons,  Thomas, 
John,  and  James,  and  several  daughters;  all  ex- 
cept Thomas,  who  was  my  father,  and  John,  died 
young.  John  left  four  children,  three  sons  and  one 
daughter,  which  daughter  married  Enoch  Cum- 
mings,  and  left  three  daughters,  to  wit:  Jane,  Mary, 


289 

and  Hannah;  and  three  sons,  John,  James,  and 
William;  the  two  last  named,  moved  many  years 
ago  into  the  back  country,  and  there  died;  whether 
they  left  issue  I  cannot  tell.  John  married,  and 
lived  at  his  father's  seat,  left  several  children,  and 
a  competent  estate  for  that  country. 

<<My  grandfather  by  my  mother's  side,  Joshua 
Maud  of  Wakefield,  Yorkshire,  Old  England,  was 
married  to  Elizabeth  Parr,  of  the  family  of  Catha- 
rine Parr,  and  descended  from  the  Puritans. 

'^John  Bradshaw,  noted  for  being  Lord  President 
at  King  Charles'  trial,  was  her  mother's  brother,  as 
I  have  been  informed. 

"My  said  grandfather  had  one  son,  named  Joshua, 
who  inherited  his  estate;  and  two  daughters,  named 
Jane,  and  Margery.  Jane  died  without  issue;  her 
husband's  name  was  Willbank. 

"Margery  married  Thomas  Fisher,  my  father, 
they  left  seven  children,  three  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters. 

"The  sons  were  Jabez  Maud,  Joshua,  and  James; 
the  daughters,  Margaret,  Elizabeth,  Margery,  and 
Esther. 

"Margaret  married  Joseph  Booth,  Jr.,  who  died 
young;  left  one  son,  who  died  in  his  minority. 

''Elizabeth  married  Daniel  Eyre,  of  Virginia,  a 
brother  of  the  old  widow  Mifflin;  died  young,  and 
left  no  issue. 

•'Margery  married  to  JamesMiers,  of  Lewistown; 
left  four  daughters,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Mary,  and 
Esther. 

"Jabez  Maud  left  two  sons  and  two  daughters, 
named  Margaret,  Edward,  Fenwick,  and  Elizabeth. 
Margaret  was  married  to  Jonathan  Molleston,  and 
is  deceased:  she  left  issue  one  son,  named  William; 
the  three  latter  are  living,  being  married,  and  all 
have  children. 


240 

^^Esther  married  Abraham  Wynkoop,  and  left 
four  children,  of  whom  Phebe  and  Benjamin  are  yet 
alive. 

*^James  left  onedaughter,  married  to  D.  Dingee. 

''I  have  in  a  *memorial  given  an  account  of  my 
dear  wife;  I  need  say  nothing  of  my  family." 

"Joshua  Fisher  has,  in  the  above  narrative,  enu- 
merated six  of  the  children  of  Thomas  Fisher;  he 
himself  made  the  seventh:  and  in  another  memoran- 
dum, dated  1762,  gives  the  following  additional 
particulars  of  his  mother's  family. 

''Joshua  Maud,  of  Wakefield,  died  near  about  the 
year  1675;  left  issue,  Joshua,  Jane,  and  Margery 
Maud.  Doctor  Thomas  Wynne,  of  North  Wales, 
married  the  widow  of  said  Joshua,  and  came  over 
into  this  country  in  the  year  1682,  with  his  wife 
and  two  daughters,  Jane  and  Margery;  Joshua,  the 
son,  remained  at  Wakefield. 

"Jane  left  no  issue.  Margery  was  married  to  my 
father,  Thomas  Fisher,  and  was  my  mother. 

"My  grandfather,  after  whom  I  am  called,  had, 
as  I  am  informed,  a  country  seat  called  the  Clifts, 
near  Wakefield." 

John  Fisher,  the  emigrant,  finally  settled  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Broadkill,  near  Lewistown;  had 
three  sons,  Thomas,  John,  and  James — the  latter 
died  young. 

Of  Thomas,  my  great-grandfather,  I  shall  speak 
hereafter.  John,  the  son  of  the  progenitor,  left  three 
sons,  John,  James,  and  William,  and  one  daughter, 
who  married  Enoch  Cummings,  and  left  three 
daughters,  Jane  Bezor,  Mary,  and  Hannah  Cum- 
mings. They  lived  at  Chester,  on  the  banks  of  the 
Delaware,  till  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war. 

James  and  William  removed  and  settled  west  of 

*  Page,  48. 


241 

the  Susquehanna,  in  Pennsylvania,  not  far  from  the 
present  Harrisburg,  then  called  the  back  woods, 
where  it  is  said  there  are  many  respectable  descen- 
dants. 

To  John  (the  grandson  of  him  who  sought  a  home 
in  this  then  wilderness  land)  descended  the  name 
and  the  estate.  His  grandson,  the  present  Thomas 
Fisher  of  Camden,  Kent  county,  says,  he  was  a 
very  strict  and  exemplary  Friend,  a  very  good  man, 
and  by  some  esteemed  almost  a  prophet.  He  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Light;  they  had  a  number  of  chil- 
dren, John,  William,  Sarah,  Jabez  Maud,  James, 
Elizabeth,  Hannah,  and  Thomas. 

Jabez  Maud  married  Elizabeth  Purnell,  whose 
children  were  (Thomas,  who  in  1831  was  Sheriff  of 
Kent  county,)  Esther,  Elizabeth,  Ann,  and  John. 
John  is  married  to  his  cousin,  Lavinia  Rodney. 

In  this  branch  of  the  family,  the  seat  at  the  Broad- 
kill  descended,  and  still  remains,  at  this  time,  owned 
and  occupied  by  Charles  Fisher. 

Thomas  Fisher,  my  great-grandfather,  was  born 
in  1669,  and  was  thirteen  years  of  age  when  he  came 
with  his  father  to  this  country.  In  the  same  ship 
with  them  came  Dr.  Thomas  Wynne,  with  his  wife 
and  her  two  daughters,  Jane  and  Margery  Maud, 
mentioned  above.  Margery  was  born  in  1671,  and 
was  eleven  years  old  Avhen  she  came  to  America. 
She,  as  stated  in  the  narrative  of  my  grandfather, 
became  the  wife  of  Thomas  Fisher,  his  father. 

One  of  the  children  of  Thomas  Wynne  was  the 
ancestor  of  the  Jones  family,  and  of  the  present 
John  and  Charles  Wister. 

Joshua  Maud,  as  before  remarked,  remained  in 
England,  and  inherited  his  father's  estate,  called  the 
Clifts,  near  Wakefield,  and  from  him  have  descended 
various  respectable  English  families,  among  whom 
are  Daniel  Maud,  of  Sunderland,  Timothy  Maud 
21* 


242 

and  his  son  William,  near  Bradford;  and  in  the  fe- 
male line,  Abiah,  who  married  Abraham  Darby,  of 
Colebrookdale;  the  wives  of  Richard  Reynolds,  and 
William  Rathbone,  the  latter  of  Liverpool. 

His  seat,  as  I  am  informed,  remains  to  the  pre- 
sent day;  and  was,  in  1784,  in  the  tenure  of  Sir 
James  Lowther.  From  it,  my  grandfather,  who  in- 
herited the  name  of  Joshua  from  his  grandfather 
Joshua  Maud,  named  his  own  country  place  on  the 
Schuylkill,  lately  owned  by  my  uncle,  Samuel  R. 
Fisher;  and  hence  the  name  of  Joshua,  which  yet 
remains  in  our  family. 

Thomas  Fisher  was  Secretary  to  the  Governor  of 
the  then  Lower  Counties,  now  the  State  of  Dela- 
ware, and  otherwise  much  employed  by  William 
Penn  and  his  sons  in  the  settlement  of  the  province. 
His  marriage  with  Margery  Maud  took  place  at 
Lewistown  in  1692. 

Their  children  have  been  already  enumerated  in 
the  copy  of  the  manuscript  of  his  son  Joshua,  my 
grandfather.     They  were — 

First.    Margaret,   married    Joseph    Booth,    died 
young,  and  left  one  son,  who  died  in  his  minority. 
Second.   Elizabeth,  married  Daniel  Elyre,  of  Vir- 
ginia, died  young,  and  left  no  issue. 

Third.  Margery,  married  James  Miers,  of  Lewis- 
town,  and  left  four  daughters,  Elizabeth,  Sarah, 
Mary,  and  Esther;  the  last  named  was  married  to 
Charles  Draper. 

Fourth.  Jabez  Maud,  he  left  four  children,  to  wit: 
Margaret,  Edward,  Fenwick  and  Esther.  Margaret 
married  Jonathan  Molleslon,  and  left  one  son  named 
William,  who  married  Catharine  Jordan;  he  died 
about  1790,  without  issue.  Edward  left  two  sons, 
named  Thomas  and  Fenwick.  It  is  believed  there 
are  some  of  the  descendants  of  Thomas  living,  but  I 
am  unacquainted  with  them.     Fenwick  became  a 


243 

physician,  and  removed  to  Accomack,  in  Virginia. 
Fenwick,  the  second  son  of  Jabez,  married  Mary 
Halliday.     He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  town 
of  Smyrna;  a  sensible,  judicious  man;  he  died  about 
the  year  1806.     His  children  were — 1st.  Joshua, 
who  was  educated  to  the  law,  a  man  of  considerable 
talent;  he   died   without   issue,  aged  thirty.     2nd. 
Sarah,  who  married  William   Corbit,  and  left  two 
children,    namely,     William    Fisher    Corbit,    and 
Mary,  the  wife  of  Pressly  Spruance,  the  present 
Speaker  of  the  Senate  of  Delaware.     3d.   Susanna^ 
who   married   George   Mitchell,   member  of  Con- 
gress.    She  had  one   child;   they  are  all  now  de- 
ceased.     4th.  Esther,  who  died  unmarried,  at  the 
age  of  eighteen.      5th.   James,  who  became  a  physi- 
cian, and   married  the  daughter   of  George  Truit, 
Governor  of  Delaware,  and  died  a  few  years  since, 
leaving   two  children,   George   Truit    Fisher   and 
Mary,    who   married  J.   M.   Clayton,   the  present 
Senator  for  the  State   of  Delaware.     Esther,   the 
fourth  child  of  Jabez,  married  Thomas  Rodney,  af- 
terwards one  of  the  Federal  Judges  at  Natchez, 
where  he  died  in  1810,  leaving  two  children,  Caesar 
Augustus  and  Lavinia.    Caesar  married  Susan  Hunn, 
was  member  of  Congress,  and  Attorney  General  of 
the  United  States;  he  died  at  Buenos  Ayres,  where 
he  went^as  Minister  Plenipotentiary,  leaving  twelve 
children.     Lavinia,  his  sister,  married  John  Fisher, 
her  third  cousin,  son  of  Jabez,  and  grandson  of  John, 
whom  I  have  spoken  of  as  an  exemplary  Friend,  and 
esteemed  almost  a  prophet.     He  was  successively 
Secretary  of  the   State  of  Delaware    and   District 
Judge   of  the  United   States.     He   died   in    1820, 
leaving  two  children,  Rodney  Fisher,  merchant  in 
Philadelphia,  and  Mary. 

Fifth.  Joshua  Fisher,  my  grandfather;   of  him  I 
shall  speak  more  particularly  hereafter. 

Sixth.  Esther,  who  married  Abraham  Wynkoop, 


244 

of  Delaware,  originally  from  New  York;  they  had 
two  children,  Benjamin  and  Phebe:  Benjamin  mar- 
ried Sarah  Sims,  sister  of  the  present  Joseph  Sims, 
and  left  a  son  and  daughter,  who  are  now  living,  to 
wit:  Abraham  Wynkoop,  who  has  several  children, 
and  Nancy,  unmarried.  Phebe  married  John  Vin- 
ing  of  Delaware,  a  gentleman  of  distinction  under 
the  proprietary  government;  she  left  two  children, 
Mary,  possessed  of  more  than  ordinary  wit  and 
beauty,  a  celebrated  belle  of  the  last  century,  who 
died  unmarried  in  1821,  and  John,  for  many  years 
a  member  of  Congress;  he  married  Mary,  the  daugh- 
ter of  William  Seaton,  of  New  York,  and  died  from 
taking  laudanum  by  mistake,  leaving  four  sons,  who 
all  died  young. 

Seventh.  James,  the  seventh  and  youngest  child 
of  Thomas  Fisher,  left  one  daughter,  who  married 
Daniel  Dingee,  a  farmer  of  Sussex,  who  was  driven 
ashore  on  Rehoboth  Beach,  something  more  than 
fifty  years  ago,  in  a  large  sloop  which  he  command- 
ed, and  died  shortly  after. 

Joshua  Fisher,  my  grandfather,  first  settled  at 
Lewistown,  and  from  his  frequent  intercourse  with 
Philadelphia,  became  familiar  with  the  Delaware 
Bay,  and  being  a  good  mathematician,  he  construct- 
ed a  chart  of  it,  still  extant;  and,  at  the  instance  of 
my  great-grandfather,  James  Logan,  was  the  first  to 
take  to  sea  and  experiment  upon  the  quadrant,  then 
recently  invented  by  Godfrey,  but  now  bearing  the 
name  of  Hadley.^ 

He  removed  to  Philadelphia  in  the  year  1745. 
At  this  period  my  father  was  five  years  old.  He 
stated  that  his  object  in  removing  was  to  further  the 
education  of  his  children,  and  he  was  presented  with 
a  written  address  by  his  townsmen  on  his  departure 
from  Lewistown,  expresssive  of  their  great  regard 

♦  See  Watson's  Annals. 


245 

for  him.  His  first  residence  in  the  City  was  in 
Walnut  street,  between  Front  and  Second  streets, 
still  owned  by  one  of  his  descendants. 

On  his  removal  he  commenced  business  as  an  im- 
porting merchant.  His  first  store  was  on  the  bank 
below  Walnut  street;  and  in  the  year  1757  he  built 
the  house  in  Front  street  (where  my  uncle,  S.  R. 
Fisher,  lately  closed  his  life,)  with  the  store  and 
warehouse  back,  and  for  many  years,  in  company 
with  his  sons,  after  they  arrived  at  maturity,  carried 
on  an  extensive  importing  and  foreign  trade.  His 
wife  was  Sarah,  the  daughter  of  Thomas  Rowland, 
and  granddaughter  of  Samuel  Rowland,  the  first 
of  the  Rowland  family  who  emigrated  to  this  coun- 
try. Thomas  Rowland's  wife,  my  great-grand- 
mother, was  Sarah  Miers,  of  the  same  family,  I  pre- 
sume, of  James  Miers,  who  married  Margery  Fisher, 
before  mentioned.  Thomas  Rowland's  children 
were — my  grandmother,  and  a  son  named  Samuel, 
who  married  Tabitha  Brock,  and  whose  children 
were  John,  James,  Isaiah,  and  Ralph. 

My  grand  parents  were  married  in  the  year  1733. 

My  grandmother  died  in  the  year  1772,  aged  fifty 
seven,  and  my  grandfather  in  17S3,  aged  seventy- 
five.  Memorials  were  preserved  of  each  of  them 
by  their  children.  Their  lives  were  marked  by  sim- 
plicity and  virtue,  and  their  close  was  tranquil  and 
serene.* 

The  above  mentioned  Joshua  and  Sarah  Fisher 
had  seven  children,  Esther,  Lydia,  Thomas,  and 
Samuel,  born  at  Lewistown;  Miers,  Jabez  Maud, 
and  Sarah,  in  Philadelphia. 

First.  Esther  married  late  in  life  to  Samuel  Lewis; 
he  died  suddenly  in  the  year  1793,  about  three 
months  after  his  marriage,  and  she  deceased  in  1795, 
aged  about  sixty,  t 

*  Appendix,  A.  t  Appendix,  B. 


S46 

Second.  Lydia  married  Thomas  Gilpin,  who  died 
in  Virginia  in  the  year  1778,  leaving  issue,  Joshua, 
Sarah,  and  Thomas.  Joshua  married  Mary  Dil- 
vvorth,  of  Lancaster,  England;  they  have  now  living 
seven  children;  Sarah  died  in  the  year  1796,  un- 
married, and  Thomas  is  still  unmarried. 

Third.  Thomas  Fisher,  my  father,  married  Sarah 
Logan;  she  deceased  in  the  year  1796,  and  my  father 
in  1810.  Their  children  were,  Joshua,  Hannah, 
William  Logan,  James,  and  Esther,  of  whom  I  shall 
speak  hereafter. 

Fourth.  Samuel  married,  in  the  year  1793,  Han- 
nah Rodman,*  of  Newport,  Rhode  Island;  their 
children  were, Sarah,  who  married  Jacob  Corlies;  she 
died  several  years  since,  leaving  one  son;  Deborah 
married  William  Wharton;  they  have  nine  children; 
and  Thomas,  yet  unmarried. 

Fifth.  Miers  married,  about  the  year  1776,  Sarah 
Redwood,  late  of  Newport;  their  children  were, 
Thomas,  who  died  of  yellow  fever  in  1798;  Jabez 
Maud,  who  died  of  the  same  disorder  in  1793;  Red- 
wood, who  married,  first,  Mary  Griffitts,  and  subse- 
quently Rebecca  Wells,  by  which  marriages  he  now 
has  eight  children;  Miers,  who  married  in  Russia 
Helen  Gregorosky ;  he  died  three  days  after  his  mar- 
riage. His  widow  afterwards  came  to  this  country, 
and  died  at  Cincinnati;  Lydia,  who  married  Benja- 
min Warner;  he  has  deceased,  leaving  three  chil- 
dren; Samuel,  who  died  in  Kentucky;  Sarah,  who 
married  Samuel  Longstreth;  he  died  in  New  Or- 
leans, having  seven  children — she  has  since  de- 
ceased; Hannah,  married  to  Dr.  Price,  and  living  at 
Cincinnati;  Jabez,  the  youngest,  married  to  Nancy 
Andrews. 

♦  Appendix,  C. 


247 

Jabez  Maud,  my  grandfather's  sixth  child,  died 
in  England  in  the  year  1778,  unmarried. 

Sarah,  the  youngest  of  my  grandfather's  children, 
married  Abijah  Dawes,  and  died  a  few  years  after 
her  marriage,  leaving  two  children,  Samuel  and  Ed- 
ward, both  deceased.  The  former  married  Martha 
Crawford,  and  left  issue,  Sarah,  Mary,  Crawford, 
and  Samuel  Fisher, 

The  children  of  Joshua  Fisher  all  had  practical 
common  sense,  and  some  of  them  were  marked  by 
considerable  strength  of  mind  and  understanding — 
performing  with  correctness,  as  far  as  I  have  known, 
the  plain,  upright  duties  of  private  life.  My  father 
was  naturally  kind  and  gentlemanly  in  his  manners. 
He  travelled  in  younger  life  generally  through  Eng- 
land and  on  the  continent  of  Europe,  and  his  subse- 
quent European  trade  introduced  him  to  many 
foreigners  who  visited  this  country.  With  steady 
judgment  and  consistency  of  purpose,  he  sustained 
the  character  of  an  upright  man.  His  demeanor  to 
his  children,  throughout  his  family,  and  among  his 
connexions,  was  kind  and  considerate.  He  lived  in 
the  house  in  Second  street,  below  Walnut,  now 
owned  by  his  daughter,  H.  L.  Smith;  and  he  built, 
in  the  year  1800,  the  house  in  which  his  son,  Wil- 
liam Logan,  now  resides,  called  Wakefield. 

Of  my  uncle,  Samuel  R.  Fisher,  who  died  seve- 
ral years  since,  at  the  age  of  eighty-nine,  it  may  be 
sufficient  to  say  that  he  always  exercised  the  privi- 
lege of  thinking  and  acting  for  himself. 

My  uncle  Miers  was  educated  for  the  law,  and 
practised  it  for  near  twenty  years  with  considerable 
success.  He  was  a  man  of  much  acuteness  and  re- 
search, had  a  store  of  information  upon  philosophical 
and  other  subjects,  and  was  the  legal  counsellor  for 
the  family.* 

*  Appendix,  D. 


248 

My  uncle  Jabez  died  before  I  was  born.  He  has 
been  represented  as  a  man  of  great  natural  endow- 
ments. William  Rotch  stated  that  at  the  period  of 
the  revolution,  Avhen  the  present  rapidity  of  report- 
ing and  publishing  debates  was  unknown,  he  was 
waited  for  with  eagerness  at  the  American  Coffee 
House,  London,  because  he  could  report,  almost 
verbatim,  all  the  speeches  of  the  preceding  night  in 
Parliament  upon  the  all-engrossing  subject  of  Ameri- 
can affairs,  and  which,  it  was  added,  but  one  other 
man  had  ever  been  able  to  do. 

Jabez  went  to  England  from  feelings  inimical  to 
American  independence;  and  it  may  be  added,  that 
all  the  family,  as  far  as  I  know,  partook  in  his  feel- 
ings. Though  they  united  in  condemning  the  acts 
of  the  British  ministry,  and  their  names  are  found 
among  the  signatures  to  the  non-importation  and 
other  agreements,  yet,  like  most  others  of  their 
sect,  they  shrunk  from  resistance!  Jabez  went  to 
England,  and  his  three  brothers,  in  the  course  of  a 
year  or  two,  were,  with  many  other  Quakers,  and 
some  who  were  not  of  that  society,  banished  to 
Winchester,  in  Virginia,  and  it  was  there  that  their 
brother-in-law,  Thomas  Gilpin,  died. 

Having  thus  given  the  details  of  my  connexions 
on  my  father's  side,  I  proceed  to  those  of  my  mother 
Sarah  Logan. 

The  Logans  were,  according  to  Scottish  History, 
for  many  years  distinguished  in  Scotland,  and  con- 
nected by  marriage  with  some  of  its  noble  families, 
of  which  many  particulars  are  related. 

My  mother's  direct  ancestor  in  the  fifth  ascend- 
ing generation  was  Robert  Logan,  Baron  of  Restalrig; 
he  owned  Fast  Castle  on  the  confines  of  the  German 
Ocean.  His  estate  was  confiscated  for  an  alleged 
participation  in  that  most  mysterious  of  all  Scottish 
affairs,  the  Gowrie  conspiracy.     This  banished  the 


249 

family  to  Ireland;  yet  his  son  Robert  returned  to 
Scotland,  and  there  my  great  great  grandfather, 
Patrick  Logan,  was  born.  He  was  educated  for  a 
clergyman,  and  married  Isabel  Hume,  a  lady  dis- 
tinguished by  birth  and  connexions,  and  settled  in 
Lurgan  in  Ireland. 

Patrick  Logan  became  a  Quaker,  and  this  changed 
the  destinies  of  the  family;  he  had  two  sons,  William 
and  James;  the  former,  whose  portrait  remains  at 
Stenton,  married  a  lady  named  Parsons,  settled  at 
Bristol,  England,  and  became  a  physician  of  much 
eminence.  He  died  at  Bath,  where  he  had  gone 
for  the  benefit  of  his  health  in  1757,  at  an  advanced 
age,  without  issue,  deeply  regretted  by  those  who 
knew  him  best,  and  was  interred  in  the  vault  of  his 
wife's  family,  leaving  his  domicile  to  his  wife's 
sisters,  and  the  bulk  of  his  estate  to  my  grandfather, 
William  Logan,  who  bore  his  name. 

James,  my  great  grandfather,  at  the  solicitation 
of  William  Penn,  came  to  this  country  with  him, 
onhissecond  voyage,  in  the  year  1701;  he  came,  as  he 
says,  to  hide  himself  from  the  cares  of  life,  and  with 
no  wish  or  expectation  of  advancing  his  fortunes; 
and  he  adds,  he  never  had  a  wish  to  leave  any  large 
possessions  to  his  posterity,  from  a  belief  that  mode- 
rate fortunes  were  more  beneficial  legacies  than 
large  ones.  On  Penn's  return  to  England  the  next 
year,  though  then  a  young  man  of  six  and  twenty, 
he  became  his  principal  agent,  and  received  a  gene- 
ral charge  of  both  the  government  and  property,  and 
ever  after  was  the  devoted  and  confidential  friend 
of  the  Penn  family.  He  was  long  chief  justice  of 
the  state;  as  president  of  the  council,  acted  as 
governor  of  the  state  for  one  or  two  years,  and  was 
solicited  by  the  family  to  assume  the  same  office  at 
a  later  period.  His  public  munificence — the  con- 
tentions in  which  he  was  involved  with  the  differ- 
22 


250 

ent  Assemblies,  by  espousing  the  cause  of  i  William 
Penn — his  unyielding  integrity — his  erudition  and 
patriotism,  are  matters  of  history,  and  need  not  be 
more  than  adverted  to  here.  He  was  born  at  Lur- 
gan  in  Ireland,  in  1675,  and  died  at  Stenton  1751, 
aged  77  years.  He  married  several  years  after  his  resi- 
dence in  this  country,  Sarah  Reed,  of  her  family  I 
know  but  little.  She  was  sister  to  the  wife  of  the 
elder  Israel  Pemberton,  and  thus  our  family  became 
connected  with  the  Pembertons. 

The  issue  of  this  marriage  was  four  children: 
William,  my  grandfather,  Hannah,  Sarah, and  James. 
Hannah  Logan  married  John  Smith,  who  is  spoken 
of  by  Proud,  in  his  History  of  Pennsylvania,  as  a 
man  of  extensive  abilities,  and  rare  excellence  of 
character.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  were  James 
and  John,  and  two  daughters.  James  Smith's  chil- 
dren were  Hannah  married  to  Henry  Drinker,  Sarah 
married  to  Hugh  Roberts,  John  married  to  Mary 
Roberts,  Abigail  married  to  John  Drinker,  Eliza- 
beth married  to  Mordecai  Lewis,  and  Susan  married 
to  Samuel  Allison.  John  Smith  married  Gulielma 
Morris,  their  children  were  Richard,  John,  Jr., 
Rachel  married  to  George  Stewardson,  and  Marga- 
ret married  to  Samuel  Hilles.  The  two  daughters 
of  John  Smith  the  elder,  married  John  Cox  and 
William  Dilwyn,  they  each  left  one  daughter;  the 
late  Susannah  Dilwyn*  married  Samuel  Emlen,  and 
Hannah  Cox  married  to  Dr.  Davis. 

Sarah  Logan,  the  third  child  of  James  Logan, 
married  Isaac  Norris,  and  died  before  her  father, 
leaving  two  daughters — Sarah,  who  died  young,  and 
Mary  who  married  John  Dickinson;  their  children 
are  Sarah  N.  Dickinson,  unmarried,  and  Maria 
married  to  Albanus  Logan,  her  second  cousin,  on 

♦  Appendix  E. 


251 

both  his  father's  and  mother's  side,  who  have  two 
sons  and  two  daughters. 

James  Logan,  the  fourth  child,  married  late  in  life, 
and  left  no  issue;  he  died  in  the  year  1803,  aged  77 
years;  with  him  I  was  acquainted.  He  lived  in  the 
large  double  house  at  the  corner  of  Bank  alley  and 
second  street.  He  lived  long  a  widower,  and  his 
family  consisted  of  only  himself  and  servants.  For 
some  years  he  was  quite  blind,  and  was  led  through 
the  streets  by  a  black  man.  He  was  a  man  of  fair 
education,  probably  always  more  fond  of  light  read- 
ing, than  of  deep  research,  and  with  all  his  eccen- 
tricities, was  a  kind  and  affectionate  relation. 

William  Logan,  my  grandfather,  married  Hannah 
the  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  Emlen.  Mary 
was  the  daughter  of  Robert  and  Susannah  Heath, 
who  came  to  this  country  from  England  in  1701, 
bringing  with  them  one  son  and  five  daughters, 
Ann,  Susannah,  Elizabeth,  Hannah,  and  Mary. 
Four  of  these  daughters  were  preachers,  and  memo- 
rials of  them  were  published. 

I  have  the  following  account  of  the  Heath  descent. 
Ann  married  Richard  Wain;  their  children  were 
Nicholas,  the  father  of  Richard  and  Nicholas;  Joseph, 
who  died  without  issue;  Robert,  the  father  of  the  pre- 
sent Robert  Wain,  of  Susan  the  wife  of  Pattison 
Hartshorne,  of  the  wife  of  Gideon  Wells,  of  Rebecca, 
wife  of  Ezra  Jones,  and  of  Ann  the  wife  of  Thomas 
Morgan,  and  of  Richard,  the  father  of  Jesse  Wain. 

Susannah  Heath  married  Morris  Morris  of  Abing- 
ton;  their  children  were  Samuel,  who  never  mar- 
ried, Joshua,  who  was  grandfather  to  Samuel  Long- 
streth,  (whom  I  mentioned  as  marrying  a  daughter 
of  my  uncle  Miers  Fisher,)  Daniel,  father  of  Ann 
Humphreys,  Morris,  father  to  Susannah  Morris  and 
of  the  late  Governor  Mifflin's  wife,  and  David,  who 
died  a  young  man,  and  several  daughters,  one  of 
whom  was  mother  to  the  Fletchers  of  Abington. 


252 

Elizabeth  married  Thomas  Livezey,  of  Lower  Dub- 
lin; their  children  were  Susanna,  married  to  

Thomas,  Rachel  married  to  Thomas  Roberts  of  Bris- 
tol, Martha  married  to  Joseph  James  of  Philadelphia, 
Mary  married  to  Joseph  Paul  of  Spring  Mill, 
Thomas  Livezey  of  Wissahickon,  and  Elizabeth 
married  to  John  Shoemaker  of  Cheltenham.  Han- 
nah married  first  to  Worrel,  second  to  

Sermon,  lastly  to Hurford. 

Mary,  my  great  grandmother,  married  George 
Emlen  of  Philadelphia;  their  children  were  George, 
whose  descendants  are  numerous,  and  Hannah  my 
grandmother  who  married  William  Logan. 

William  Logan  and  Hannah  Emlen  were  married 
in  1741;  their  children  were  William,  who  married 
in  England,  Sarah,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Portsmouth; 
Sarah  who  married  my  father,  Thomas  Fisher; 
George  who  married  Deborah  N orris;  and  Charles 
who  married  in  Virginia  Mary  Pleasants. 

Of  my  grandfather  and  grandmother  Logan,!  know 
but  little,  they  both  died  some  years  before  I  was 
born.  My  grandfather  was  a  gentleman,  respect- 
able in  his  character,  and  for  many  years  connected 
with  government.  All  of  these  sons  were  sent  to 
England  to  be  educated;  William  studied  physic, 
under  the  care  of  Dr.  Fothergill,  and  graduated  at 
Edinburgh.  His  youthful  career  was  marked  by 
eccentricities,  high  passions,  ungovernable  temper, 
and  yet  by  an  amiability,  which,  when  exerted  to 
accomplish  its  own  purposes,  won  its  way  in  de- 
spite of  all  opposition;  intreaty  was  urged  in  vain 
by  the  parents  on  both  sides  to  prevent  his  mar- 
riage. He  was  forbidden  Dr.  Portsmouth's  house,  I 
think  mostly  at  the  instance  of  my  grandfather,  yet 
he  still  visited  his  daughter  under  the  garb  of  a 
livery  servant,  and  they  had  at  last  a  stolen  mar- 
riage.    He  was  a  man  of  high  education,  yet  Dr. 


253 

Fothergill  writes  of  him  to  his  father,  when  he  was 
coming  to  Philadelphia  to  settle,  principally  with  a 
view  to  surgery,  "that  with  great  sensibility  he  was 
too  presumptuous,  thought  himself  equal  to  any  dif- 
ficulties, and  required  still  to  be  managed  with  great 
prudence  and  with  parental  authority."  His  life, 
however,  was  short,  he  died  within  a  year  after  his 
arrival,  leaving  one  son,  William  Portsmouth  Logan. 
His  widow  soon  returned  to  England,  and  her  son 
was  sent  to  her  some  years  after,  where  he  died 
soon  after  his  majority. 

My  uncles,  George  and  Charles  Logan,  were  both 
placed  at  a  school  in  Worcester,  England,  and  my 
grandfather  wished  them  to  remain  in  England  at 
some  business,  during  their  minority,  alleging  in  the 
}^ear  1760  in  a  letter  to  David  Barclay,  "to  come 
where  there  is  so  much  liberty  allowed  to  almost 
all  youth,  and  where  there  are  more  avenues  to 
every  kind  of  vice  than  in  any  other  city  in  the 
King's  dominions,  numbers  excepted,  will,  I  greatly 
fear,  end  in  their  ruin."  They  however  came  and 
both  were  placed  to  the  mercantile  business;  George 
with  a  great  predilection  for  medicine,  revisited 
England,  and  graduated  at  Edinburgh,  and  on  his  re- 
turn married,  and  finally  settled  at  Stenton,  relin- 
quishing the  practice  of  j)hysic.  He  was  a  man  of 
excellent  education,  and  of  much  reading,  of  high 
honour  and  integrity,  wrote  well,  and  had  seen 
much  of  the  world.  He  took  an  active  interest  in 
the  political  concerns  of  his  country,  with  a  disin- 
terested view  to  what  he  considered  her  best  inter- 
ests.* His  widow  still  lives  deservedly  beloved  and 
respected.  Their  children  were  Albanus,  now  liv- 
ing, married  to  Maria  Dickinson,  (they  have  four 
children,)  Gustavus,  who  died  young,  and  Algernon 

*  Appendix  F. 


254 

Sidney  Logan  who  died  unmarried  within  a  few 
years.  * 

Charles  Logan  married  and  settled  in  Virginia, 
he  died  under  middle  age,  leaving  six  children;  his 
eldest  James  was  lost  at  sea;  four  daughters,  Sarah, 
Maria,  Harriet,  and  Julia;  all  married  and  are  settled 
in  Virginia;  Charles,  the  youngest,  married  Sarah 
Robeson. 

With  my  uncle,  Charles  Logan,  I  was  little  ac- 
quainted, and  find  no  data  on  which  to  sketch  his 
character.  He  was  brought  up  in  the  counting- 
house  of  my  father  and  uncle,  and  no  doubt  was 
respectable  in  his  youth.  His  wife  was  rich  in  land 
and  slaves,  and  he  was  introduced  into  that  southern 
mode  of  life,  which,  together  with  an  unfortunate 
connexion  in  business,  ended  in  great  losses.  His 
children  who  yet  had  respectable  inheritance,  have 
lived  to  experience  distress  and  difficulty. 

My  mother,  Sarah  Logan,  died  in  the  year  1795. 
During  several  of  the  latter  years  of  her  life,  her 
health  was  feeble.  She  was  a  tender  and  devoted 
wife  and  mother. 

jMy  parents  married  in  the  year  1771;  their  chil- 
dren were  Joshua,  Hannah,  William,  James,  Esther, 
and  two  others  who  died  in  infancy.  Joshua  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  P.  Francis;  he  deceased  in  1806, 
aged  30  years.  The  present  Joshua  F.  Fisher  is 
the  only  issue  of  their  marriage. 

Hannah  married  James  Smith,f  and  has  three 
children,  Sarah,  Rebecca,  and  Esther. 

James|  married  Ann  Eliza  George,  and  deceased 
in  1814,  aged  31.  His  widow  died  in  1821  ;§  they 
left  three  children,  Sidney  George,  James  Logan,^ 
who  graduated  as  a  physician  in  Philadelphia,  and 

♦  Appendix,  G.  t  Appendix,  H. 

t  Appendix,  I.  §  Appendix,  K. 

IT  Appendix,  L. 


255 

died  in  Paris,  where  he  went  to  attend  medical 
lectures,  and  Charles  Henry,  married  to  Sarah  Ann 
Atherton. 

Esther  remains  unmarried. 

William  Logan  Fisher  was  married  on  the  25th 
of  the  11th  month  1802,  at  New  Bedford,  to  Mary, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Rodman,  and  niece  to  his  uncle 
Samuel  R.  Fisher's  wife,  who  died  on  the  4th  of  the 
6th  month  1813,  aged  31,*  leaving  three  children, 
Thomas  Rodman  and  Sarah  Logan,  born  at  New 
Bedford,  and  Elizabeth  Rodman  at  Wakefield.  He 
was  married  subsequently  on  the  20th  of  the  3d 
month,  1817,  to  Sarah  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Lind- 
ley  of  New  Garden,  Chester  county;  his  younger 
children  are,  Lindley,  Charles  William,  and  Mary 
Rodman,  all  born  at  Wakefield.  His  wives,  the 
one  in  New  England,  and  the  other  in  Chester 
county,  Pennsylvania,  were  descended  from  the 
early  and  respectable  emigrants  from  Europe  to  this 
country. 

*  Appendix,  M, 


APPENDIX. 


(A.) 


There  is  an  account  preserved  of  many  particu- 
lars of  the  last  illness  of  Joshua  Fisher,  to  which 
those  particularly  interested  have  access.  It  is  suf- 
ficient here  to  note  that  it  was  of  several  months 
continuance,  and  was  marked  by  a  patient  and  re- 
signed frame  of  mind,  much  affection  for  his  family 
and  friends,  and  of  kindness  and  sympathy  for  his 
fellow-men  generally,  as  the  following  extract 
evinces. 

He  frequently  asked  those  who  came  to  see  him 
the  following  questions:  "Are  friends  generally  well? 
Do  the  people  at  large  appear  kind  and  friendly  to- 
ward each  other?  Is  there  employment  for  the  poor; 
can  they  get  a  comfortable  subsistence  for  their 
families?^'  &c.  &c. 

The  closing  scene  is  thus  described: 

"Sixth  day  morning  his  daughter  asked  him  how 
he  had  passed  the  night;  he  replied,  but  indifferently, 
I  have  had  a  good  deal  of  pain,  but  am  somewhat 
relieved.  She  proposed  his  taking  some  nourish- 
ment, he  said  no,  I  do  not  want  anything.  She  sat 
down  pretty  near  him  without  having  any  appre- 
hension of  a  change.  About  half  past  nine  o'clock 
he  said,  Hetty,  my  dear,  come  here.  She  went  im- 
mediately to  the  bedside;   he  looked  at  her  with 


257 

great  calmness  and  said,  I  want  to  tell  thee  I  am 
going  to  leave  you — I  feel  all  nature  giving  way — 
and  death  approaching  at  every  avenue.  Is  any  of 
thy  brothers  or  sisters  in  the  room?  She  told  him 
no.  He  said  send  for  them  all,  and  tell  them  to 
set  down  by  me,  and  see  me  close.  I  shall  be  but 
a  few  hours  with  you.  Seeing  her  affected,  he  said, 
it  is  the  Lord's  time,  and  I  am  resigned.  His  son 
Samuel  coming  in,  he  said,  lay  my  body  straight,  and 
my  legs  likewise;  the  rest  of  his  children  coming 
he  repeated  what  he  had  said  before,  adding,  1  have 
not  much  to  say  to  you — you  all  know  my  mind  in 
all  things.  Live  in  love.  Several  friends  coming 
in,  he  spoke  to  them  all.  He  was  about  an  hour 
restless  and  uneasy,  frequently  desiring  his  posture 
to  be  changed.  After  that  he  said,  let  me  be  raised 
up;  when  that  was  done,  he  asked  for  something  to 
take,  saying,  if  it  brings  up  the  phlegm,  I  shall  go  off 
much  easier.  This  not  having  the  effect  desired, 
he  thought  of  something  else,  and  said  to  his  daugh- 
ter, if  thou  will  give  it  me,  perhaps  it  may  relieve 
nature,  and  then  I  shall  go  off  easy.  He  gave  proofs 
of  a  clear  understanding  and  of  a  mind  undismayed 
by  the  fear  of  death.  About  two  o'clock  he  asked 
for  a  little  water  to  drink — about  three  he  said,  now 
set  down  near  me  and  let  me  go  to  rest.  These 
were  the  last  words  he  uttered — breathed  with  very 
little  difficulty  till  near  five  o'clock,  at  which  time 
he  quietly  closed,  without  sigh  or  groan,  on  the  31st 
of  the  second  month,  aged  15  years  and  3  months." 


(B.) 

Esther  Lewis's  last  illness  commenced  in  the  lat- 
ter part  of  the  year  1794,  and  continued  for  several 


258 

months,  which  she  sustained  with  exemplary  pa- 
tience and  resignation,  evincing  unshaken  confidence 
in  the  mercy  of  her  Heavenly  Father,  often  exhort- 
ing her  near  relatives  to  be  faithful  to  what  they  felt 
to  be  required  of  them. 

The  following  is  the  conclusion  of  a  detailed  ac- 
count of  the  last  two  months  of  her  life: 

*'She  had  repeatedly  requested  that  her  body  might 
remain  a  few  hours  before  it  was  laid  out,  which 
was  accordingly  complied  with,  and  the  coffin  being 
provided  according  to  her  directions,  as  well  as  the 
manner  of  her  being  laid  out,  being  exactly  attend- 
ed to,  it  was  removed  in  the  evening  of  2nd  mo.  4, 
to  her  brother  Samuel's,  in  conformity  to  her  desire, 
and  remained  there  till  the  afternoon  of  2nd  mo.  7; 
when,  previous  to  the  hour  appointed  for  moving 
to  the  grave,  all  the  near  connections  being  seated  in 
the  room,  Deborah  Darby  remarked  what  a  favour 
it  was,  thus  to  be  able  to  pay  the  last  debt  to  a  dear 
departed  friend  without  the  fear  of  endangering  our 
own  lives  thereby,  and  with  great  sympathy  to- 
wards some  present,  had  to  revive  the  late  most 
trying  dispensation  in  1793. 

"At  the  grave  she  was  also  led  to  revive  the  above 
mentioned  solemn  season,  when  scarcely  any  ven- 
tured to  follow  the  remains  of  their  departed  friends, 
earnestly  recommending  that  we  who  had  escaped 
that  day,  might  be  diligent  in  improving  our  time, 
that  so,  at  our  departure,  as  in  the  present  case,  this 
language  might  be  applied,  "Blessed  are  the  dead 
which  die  in  the  Lord,  from  henceforth,  yea  saith 
the  spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from  their  labours, 
and  their  works  do  follow  them.'' 

"After  the  interment,  nearly  all  the  near  relatives 
and  divers  others  returned  to  the  house,  when  we 
had  a  precious  memorable  opportunity,  wherein 
lively  testimonies  were  born  by  Deborah  Darby, 


259 

Rebecca  Young,  Rebecca  Jones,  and  Samuel  Smith, 
much  adapted  to  the  states  of  those  present,  earnestly 
pressing  an  attention  to  the  advice  of  the  dear  de- 
ceased, greatly  encouraging  all  to  pursue  with  in- 
creasing diligence  those  things  which  make  for 
peace,  also  cautioning  and  warning  not  to  neglect 
the  present  opportunity/' 


(C.) 

Testimony  from  the  m,onthly  rneeting  of  Phila- 
delphia for  the  Southern  Districts,  concerning 
Hannah  Fisher. 

Believing  that  a  commemoration  of  the  useful 
lives  and  peaceful  deaths  of  those  who  have  endeav- 
oured faithfully  to  follow  the  Redeemer  in  the 
path  of  humility  and  self-denial,  has  often  been  bene- 
ficial to  survivors,  and  tended  to  encourage  the 
youthful  mind  to  yield  to  the  precious  visitations  of 
divine  love, — we  are  engaged  to  give  forth  a  memo- 
rial concerning  our  beloved  friend,  Hannah  Fisher. 

She  was  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  Rod- 
man, and  was  born  in  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  in 
the  4th  month,  1764.  Her  father  dying  when  she 
was  very  young,  the  care  of  a  large  family  devolved 
upon  her  mother,  to  whose  exemplary  and  judicious 
deportment,  our  dear  friend  has  often  made  grateful 
acknowledgment.  This  maternal  care,  co-operating 
with  the  tendering  impressions  of  divine  love  with 
which  her  mind  was  early  visited,  became  the  means 
of  her  preservation  in  much  innocence.  In  the  year 
1793,  she  was  married  to  our  friend  Samuel  R. 
Fisher,   and  became   a   member  of  this   monthly 


260 

meeting,  and  through  the  renewed  and  humbling 
baptisms  of  the  divine  spirit,  was  qualified  for  use- 
fulness therein.  In  the  year  1800,  after  a  season  of 
deep  exercise,  she  came  forth  in  the  ministry,  and 
being  faithful  in  the  little,  experienced  an  enlarge- 
ment in  the  gift  to  the  comfort  and  refreshment  of 
many.  From  the  general  tenor  of  her  conversation, 
and  the  savour  of  her  spirit,  it  was  evident,  that 
having  received  with  meekness  the  engrafted  word, 
and  abiding  patiently  under  its  influence,  she  was 
enabled  to  bring  forth  good  fruits: — hence  flowed, 
as  streams  from  their  proper  fountain,  her  exempla- 
ry deportment,  her  care  in  frequently  reading  the 
Holy  Scriptures  in  the  family,  and  the  faithful  tes- 
timony which  she  bore,  by  her  consistent  example, 
to  that  plainness  and  simplicity  which  our  christian 
principles  lead  into;  frequently  expressing  her  thank- 
fulness that  she  had  been  enabled  to  be  faithful  here- 
in; adding,  '<I  have  often  felt  the  cross  in  it,  but  it 
has  been  to  me  a  great  means  of  preservation." 

In  her  social  intercourse,  she  evinced  a  mind  train- 
ed in  the  discipline  of  that  charity  which  thinketh  no 
evil,  and  was  ready  to  do  unto  others  as  she  would 
that  others  should  do  unto  her.  Her  sympathizing 
spirit  was  often  drawn  to  visit  the  afflicted,  and  she 
was  qualified  to  speak  a  word  in  season  to  the  weary. 
To  the  poor  she  was  a  liberal,  judicious,  and  feeling 
friend.  Thus,  through  obedience  to  the  manifesta- 
tions of  the  spirit  of  truth  in  her  own  mind,  she  was 
enabled  to  do  her  day's  work  in  the  day  time.  Her 
illness  was  short,  but  the  result  was  not  alarming  to 
her;  it  was  evident  she  was  in  readiness.  For  seve- 
ral days  previous  to  the  solemn  close,  she  was  at 
various  times  engaged  in  expressing  to  the  different 
members  of  her  family  and  other  friends,  lively  ex- 
hortation, tender  acknowledgment,  and  pertinent 
remarks  on  the  necessity  of  being  prepared  for  the 


261 

final  scene.  To  a  friend  sitting  by  her,  she  said,  "I 
have  desired  that  my  children  may  give  up  in  the 
morning  of  their  day,  and  join  hand  in  hand  with 
the  faithful  labourers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard;"  add- 
ing, **I  feel  nothing  in  my  way.  I  feel  thankful 
in  my  bed  of  sickness,  that  I  have  given  up  much 
in  the  cross  to  my  natural  inclination,  and  that  I  have 
been  favoured  to  keep  the  furniture  of  the  house  and 
my  clothing  plain  and  simple."  At  another  time, 
addressing  her  children,  she  said,  '*Live  in  love, 
my  dear  children,  may  you  all  live  in  love;  it  will 
sweeten  every  bitter  cup;  there  is  no  comfort  with- 
out it."  Again,  "All  is  done,  all  is  done.  It  would 
be  a  pity  for  me  to  recover,  I  feel  so  resigned,  so 
sweet,  I  feel  as  if  I  were  already  in  heaven."  At 
another  time  she  said,  her  illness  had  been  a  time  of 
suffering  to  the  body,  but  not  to  the  mind;  that  all 
was  comfortable  there;  adding,  *'What  a  mercy! 
that  when  the  poor  body  is  in  suffering,  the  mind 
should  be  preserved  in  such  tranquillity."  Her  af- 
fliction of  body  appeared  to  be  great;  and  she  once 
expressed,  she  thought  a  part  of  it  might  be  on  ac- 
count of  survivors,  that  they  might  see  it  would  not 
do  to  put  off  the  day's  work  until  the  evening;  that 
it  was  enough  then  to  have  bodily  suffering.  In  the 
night  previous  to  her  close,  she  said,  "Lord  I  love 
thee;  Lord  thou  art  with  me:  I  love  thee  because 
thou  hast  heard  my  supplication.  Bless  the  Lord, 
0  my  soul!"  About  an  hour  before  she  ceased  to 
breathe,  she  sweetly  expressed,  "The  Lord  is  with 
me;  I  bless  his  hand.  I  bless  his  arm."  Which,  at 
that  solemn  season,  clearly  conveyed  to  the  minds 
of  those  present,  her  resignation  to  this  allotment  of 
unerring  wisdom,  and  her  thankful  sense  of  the  sup- 
porting arm  under  it.  Near  the  close,  she  said,  "the 
work  is  finished." 

Thus,  we  believe,  through  the  efficacy  of  that 
23 


262 

grace  to  which  she  bore  impressive  testimony  in 
our  meeting  a  few  days  before  her  removal,  she  has 
been  enabled  to  '*fight  a  good  fight,  to  keep  the  faith, 
and  to  have  entered  into  that  rest  which  is  prepared 
for  the  righteous." 

She  died  the  12th  of  the  9th  month,  1819,  in  the 
fifty  sixth  year  of  her  age. 


(D.) 

THE  LATE  MIERS  FISHER. 

This  learned  and  ingenious  citizen,  now  no  longer 
a  tenant  of  mortality,  continued  to  exemplify  the 
urbanity  of  the  true  gentleman,  scholar,  and  friend, 
to  the  close  of  his  earthly  career.  The  writer  of 
this  article  listened  with  delight  to  his  instructive 
conversation  on  religious  subjects,  a  few  days  before 
he  had  to  pay  the  mournful  tribute  due  to  departed 
worth,  by  following  his  remains  ^Ho  the  house  ap- 
pointed for  all  living." 

His  critical  Hebrew  knowledge  and  research,  led 
to  themes  which  still  dwell  with  harmonious  feeling 
on  the  memory.  The  topics  of  salvation,  and  of 
"Abraham  saw  my  day  and  was  glad,"  have  been 
rendered  more  precious  by  the  removal  of  this 
valuable  man  to  the  immediate  presence  of  Him 
who  said,  "before  Abraham  was  I  am."  His  funeral 
took  place  3d  mo.  15th,  1819,  attended  by  a  nu- 
merous assemblage  of  friends,  relatives,  and  fellow- 
citizens.  A  good  man's  history  may  often  be  read 
in  the  eyes  and  in  the  solemnity  of  feeling  which 
appears  on  the  minds  of  those  that  follow  him  to  the 
last.  In  this  case,  the  serene  silence  attending  his 
funeral  obsequies,  reminds  the  writer  of  the  still- 


263 

ness  of  a  summer  evening,  after  the  sun  has  set  in 
brightness,  and  not  a  whisper  can  be  heard  amidst 
the  trees. 

Miers  Fisher  was  a  man  for  whom  General 
Washington  had  a  true  respect — for  he  knew  and 
honoured  his  worth,  and  his  memory  will  long  have 
the  fragrance  of  the  rose  to  all  who  knew  him,  so  as 
to  improve  by  his  instructive  conversation,  to  esti- 
mate his  talent  and  appreciate  his  christian  benevo- 
lence. To  eulogise  the  dead,  is  not  the  object  of 
this  article — it  is  spontaneously  written  by  one  who 
knew  him  but  a  short  time  before  his  decease,  but 
quite  long  enough  to  find  the  iron  pen  and  diamond 
point  needless  to  engrave  on  the  heart  what  has 
much  endeared  memory.  But  it  is  written  to  em- 
balm the  recollection  of  talent  and  example  to  the 
numerous  assembly  of  young  persons  who  now 
mourn  their  friend ;  to  cheer  the  heart,  if  it  should 
meet  the  eye  of  the  afflicted  survivors,  with  the 
language  of  sympathy  and  consolation,  and  to  say, 
on  behalf  of  their  late  beloved  friend,  to  the  youth 
of  his  family,  '^Follow  closely  that  unchangeable 
friend  who  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother.'^ 

His  widow,  Sarah  Redwood  Fivsher,  now  in  the 
eighty-fourth  year  of  her  age,  is  yet  spared  to  her 
remaining  children  and  friends,  enjoying  a  comfort- 
able share  of  health,  and  possessing  a  fine  amiable 
temper,  with  a  mind  clear  and  unclouded.  She  was 
a  native  of  Rhode  Island,  and  daughter  of  William 
Redwood.  Her  sister  H.  W.  was  the  wife  of  cou- 
sin Charles  Wharton.  She  died,  I  think,  in  1796, 
and  her  husband  died  recently. 


364 

(E.) 

OBITUARY. 

Died  on  the  24th  of  the  11  mo.,  1819,  at  Bur- 
lington, New  Jersey,  Susanna  Emlen,  wife  of 
Samuel  Emlen,  and  daughter  of  William  Dillwyn, 
formerly  of  that  place,  now  of  England,  by  his  first 
wife,  Sarah  Smith,  granddaughter  of  James  Logan, 
Sen.,  of  Stenton. 

Possessed  of  all  the  mild  and  endearing  virtues, 
gentle,  benevolent,  good,  she  was  the  delight  of 
her  friends,  and  a  treasure  of  inestimable  worth  to 
her  husband  and  relatives.  The  spotless  purity  of 
her  mind,  and  the  sweetness  of  her  whole  character 
appeared  so  entirely  without  alloy,  that  she  seemed 
like  an  inhabitant  of  a  more  blessed  world, 

"Let  down  in  cloudy  throne  to  do  the  world  some  good." 

And  a  bright  and  beautiful  example  she  has  in- 
deed left  us  of  patience  and  resignation  under  the 
most  severe  sufferings  and  long  protracted  anguish. 
She  had  a  very  solid  judgment  united  to  great  deli- 
cacy of  taste.  Her  disposition  was  remarkably  kind 
and  tender;  her  mind  serious,  but  her  temper  cheer- 
ful and  social,  and  her  countenance  beamed  united 
intelligence  and  softness. 

"The  lightning  of  her  angel  snaile" 

often  occurred  to  me  in  conversing  with  her.  But 
she  has  gone,  and  her  death  is  the  withdrawing  of 
a  most  radiant  and  beautiful  orb  that  gladdened  and 
enlightened  the  circle  of  her  family  and  friends. 

She  was  buried  in  Friends  grave-yard  in  Bur- 
lington, on  the  27th.  Her  funeral,  attended  by  a 
large  number  of  weeping  relatives  and  friends,  was 


265 

one  of  the  most  solemn  and  impressive  at  which  I 
ever  assisted.  But  the  triumphant  'hope  of  glory' 
through  the  blessed  Redeemer,  was  felt  over  all! 


(F.) 

OBITUARY  NOTICE  BY  ROBERT  WALSH,  4th  mO.  11th,  1821. 

We  announce,  and  with  sincere  sorrow,  the  death 
of  Dr.  George  Logan,  who  departed  this  life  on 
Monday  evening  last,  9th  inst.  at  Stenton,  his  seat 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  this  city  in  the  sixty- 
seventh  year  of  his  age.  He  has  left  behind  a  cha- 
racter, which,  if  his  friends  and  family  could  ad- 
mit of  any  other  than  religious  solace  for  his  loss, 
would  form  a  fruitful  source  of  consolation.  Dr. 
Logan  acted  a  distinguished  part  in  the  social  and 
political  world  for  a  number  of  years;  making  great 
personal  sacrifices  for  the  public  good,  and  obeying 
the  impulses  of  the  warmest  and  purest  patriotic  and 
philanthropic  zeal.  His  career  as  the  representa- 
tive of  this  his  native  state,  in  the  senate  of  the 
union;  his  devotion  to  the  cause  of  liberty  and  peace; 
his  spontaneous  visits  to  Europe,  for  the  purpose  of 
averting  the  calamities  of  war  from  his  country,  are 
too  generally  known  and  vividly  remembered  to 
require  more  than  a  mere  indication  at  present. 
Whatever  diversity  of  opinion  may  exist  as  to  the 
merits  of  his  political  career  during  his  official  term, 
or  the  efficacy  of  his  political  exertions  at  any 
period,  there  can  be  but  one  sentiment  with  regard 
to  the  excellence  of  his  intentions  and  the  elevation 
of  his  views. 

He  had  received  the  best  education,  classical  and 
professional,  and  travelled  in  Europe  under  the  best 
23* 


266 

auspices.  He  early  acquired  the  friendship  and 
confidence  of  some  of  the  most  distinguished  and 
illustrious  of  the  patriots  of  our  revolution.  He  con- 
tinued until  the  close  of  his  life  to  cultivate  the  sen- 
timents which  he  partook  with  them,  and  to  pursue 
the  liberal  studies  in  which  his  youth  had  been  em- 
ployed. His  mind  was  stored  with  useful  and  ele- 
gant knowledge;  he  delighted  in  agricultural  enqui- 
ries and  experiments,  in  which  he  was  particularly 
successful;  and  if  any  thing  interfered  with  his  en- 
joyments and  occupations  as  a  scholar  and  a  farmer, 
it  was  his  solicitude  for  the  national  weal,  which, 
in  fact,  had  become  of  late,  a  morbid  sensibility  in- 
jurious to  his  health  and  comfort. 

We  pay  this  hasty  tribute  to  the  memory  of  a 
truly  good  man  and  sound  American,  in  the  hope 
and  expectation  that  a  regular  obituary  notice,  con- 
taining biographical  details,  will  be  prepared  from 
authentic  materials  by  hands  better  fitted  than  ours 
to  do  justice  to  his  worth.  He  was  the  grandson 
of  James  Logan,  one  of  the  founders  and  greatest 
benefactors  of  this  commonwealth — one  of  the  wisest 
and  most  learned  of  the  whole  number  of  the  Euro- 
pean emigrants  to  the  American  continent.  Such 
a  lineage,  with  a  due  correspondence  in  spirit,  im- 
provement, and  effort,  would  alone  create  a  title  to 
the  lively  esteem  and  regrets  of  the  citizens  of  this 
state. 

My  ever  honoured  and  beloved  husband,  Dr. 
George  Logan,  departed  this  life  on  the  night  of  the 
9th  of  the  4th  mo.,  1821,  after  a  lingering  illness  of 
many  months,  which  he  bore  with  a  tranquillity 
and  resignation  truly  exemplary.  He  was  born  at 
Stenton  the  9th  of  the  9th  mo.,  1753,  and  was  at  a 
very  early  age  sent  to  England  for  his  education, 
from  whence  he  returned  to  this  country  and  served 
an  apprenticeship   to   a  merchant  in   Philadelphia 


267 

(the  venerable  John  Reynolds),  but  having  always 
felt  a  predilection  for  the  study  of  medicine,  after 
he  was  of  age  he  commenced  his  medical  education, 
which  he  completed  by  a  residence  of  three  years 
at  Edinburgh,  and  qualified  himself  in  the  fullest 
and  most  ample  manner  for  its  practice,  which  he, 
however,  never  pursued;  for  upon  his  coming  home 
in  1780,  he  found  his  estate,  after  the  desolation  oc- 
casioned by  the  revolutionary  war,  in  such  a  situa- 
tion as  to  require  his  undivided  attention.  We 
accordingly  soon  after  our  marriage  removed  to 
Stenton,  where  the  improved  state  of  his  farm  soon 
evinced  the  success  with  which  he  prosecuted  his 
agricultural  inquiries,  his  intervals  of  leisure  being 
filled  up  with  such  studies  as  served  to  enlarge  his 
capacities  for  usefulness  to  the  public,  and  which 
tended  to  fit  his  mind  for  the  situations  in  which  he 
afterwards  appeared. 

It  is  not  my  intention  here  to  attempt  to  draw  his 
character  at  large,  but  it  is  quite  impossible  for  me 
to  write  any  memorandum  respecting  him  without 
paying  some  little  tribute  to  his  excellent  qualities; 
his  benevolence,  his  love  of  justice  and  peace,  his 
entire  disinterestedness  of  conduct,  his  sincerity  and 
truth,  and  that  simplicity  of  manners  which  despised 
all  ostentation,  were  so  remarkable,  that  they  formed 
distinguished  traits  in  his  character,  and  secured  to 
him  the  love  and  respect  of  his  fellow-citizens. 

And  I  likewise  have  the  unspeakable  consolation 
to  add,  that  he  died  in  the  christian  faith — a  sincere 
disciple  of  the  blessed  Jesus!  In  his  latter  years 
he  had  it  much  at  heart,  that,  laying  aside  all  secta- 
rian prejudices,  the  good  of  all  religious  societies 
should  unite  to  promote  the  great  designs  of  Chris- 
tianity. 

D.  Logan. 

Stenton  J  ^th  of  the  Qth  mo.,  1823. 


268 


(G.) 

Died,  at  Stenton,  on  the  morning  of  the  19th 
of  12th  month,  1835,  in  his  forty-fifth  year,  Al- 
gernon Sydney  Logan.  To  an  extensive  circle  of 
friends  and  acquaintances  he  was  known  as  possess- 
ing talents  and  mental  attractions  of  no  ordinary 
stamp;  but  when  arrested  in  the  full  vigour  of  man- 
hood by  a  severe  disease,  which  baffling  all  the 
efforts  of  human  skill,  though  applied  by  the  hand 
of  untiring  friendship,  his  fine  constitution  gradu- 
ally gave  way;  then  it  was  the  privilege  of  those 
most  near  to  him  to  witness  the  fullest  develope- 
ment  of  the  endearing  qualities  which  naturally  be- 
longed to  his  character;  and  while  affectionate  and 
grateful  to  his  friends,  patient  in  the  endurance  of 
suffering  and  privations  rarely  met  with,  his  fine 
mind,  unclouded  to  the  last  moments  of  existence, 
was  capable  of  exerting  all  its  power. 


(H.) 

Died,  on  Monday  night  last,  in  the  sixty-seventh 
year  of  his  age,  James  Smith,  for  many  years  one  of 
the  most  eminent  and  successful  merchants  of  this 
city.  He  sustained  the  character  of  an  upright  and 
honourable  man,  a  public  spirited  and  a  liberal 
member  of  the  community,  and  an  humble  and 
pious  christian. 

Of  the  ample  fortune  which  he  had  acquired,  he 
made  no  selfish  or  sordid  use.  His  gifts  to  chari- 
table purposes  were  frequent  and  large,  and  his 
liberality  had  the  merit  of  being  judicious  as  to  its 
object  and  delicate  in  its  manner.    The  sincere  grief 


269 

of  his  numerous  family,  and  the  large  concourse  of 
his  fellow-citizens  who  attended  his  remains  to  the 
grave,  afforded  sufficient  testimony  of  the  affection 
with  which  he  was  regarded  in  the  domestic  circle, 
and  of  the  regard  in  which  his  virtues  and  example 
are  held  by  the  community. 


(I.) 

Departed  this  life,  on  the  23d  of  the  8th  mo.,  1814, 
at  his  seat  near  this  city,  James  Logan  Fisher,  son 
of  the  late  Thomas  Fisher. 

To  give  his  character  at  large,  is  not  intended  by 
the  writer  of  this  paragraph; — yet,  the  recollection 
of  its  varied  worth  will  long  remain  with  those  to 
whom  it  has  been  known — free  from  ostentation,  by 
him  the  duties  of  life  were  well  performed — and 
although  called  upon  in  the  prime  of  manhood  by  a 
long  and  suffering  illness  to  yield  all  those  earthly 
enjoyments  naturally  so  dear,  he  bowed  in  submis- 
sion to  the  will  of  Heaven,  bore  with  exemplary 
patience  his  deeply  trying  situation,  looking  beyond 
it  with  a  mind  unshaken  by  disease  and  filled  with 
the  hope  of  a  pious  christian. 


(K.) 

Died,  in  this  city,  on  the  27th  of  12th  mo., 
1821,  in  the  thirty-sixth  year  of  her  age,  Ann  Eliza 
Fisher,  relict  of  James  Logan  Fisher,  and  daughter 
of  the  late  Sydney  George,  Esq.,  of  Maryland. 
The  character  of  this  amiable  lady  is  too  deeply 
portrayed  on  the  hearts  of  her  sorrowing  friends 


270 

to  be  soon  lost  in  oblivion.  All  the  duties  of  life 
were  performed  by  her  with  affectionate  solicitude; 
gracefully  courteous  in  her  demeanour,  pious,  pru- 
dent, kind,  and  benevolent  in  her  conduct,  her 
loss  will  long  be  felt  and  deplored  in  her  own  family; 
but  to  herself  the  exchange  from  a  life  of  sorrow 
and  anxiety,  is,  no  doubt,  unspeakably  happy  and 
glorious. 

-"tho'  'tis  an  awful  thing  to  die, 


'Twas  e'en  to  her,  yet  the  dread  path  once  trod, 
Heaven  lifts  its  everlasting  portals  high, 
And  bids  the  pure  in  heart  behold  their  God." 


(L.) 

Died,  at  Paris,  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  Octo- 
ber last,  of  scarlet  fever,  after  an  illness  of  eighty 
hours,  James  Logan  Fisher,  M.  D.,  of  Philadelphia, 
aged  22  years. 

Thus  was  prematurely  removed  a  young  man  of 
brilliant  talents  and  the  brightest  expectation;  al- 
though his  death  occurred  in  a  foreign  land,  he  was 
surrounded  by  afflicted  friends,  who  rendered  him 
every  possible  attention,  and  procured  for  him  the 
best  medical  aid.  His  constitution  was  delicate, 
and  he  had  scarcely  ever  enjoyed  good  health;  life 
was  thus  embittered  to  one  who  had  every  thing 
else  to  make  him  useful  and  happy.  With  a  dis- 
criminating taste  and  great  love  for  music  and  the 
fine  arts,  he  possessed  in  a  rare  degree,  skill  as  a 
painter  and  musician  for  one  not  professedly  an 
artist.  He  not  only  acquired  these  accomplish- 
ments, but  with  genius  and  talents  he  united  great 
perseverance  in  his  profession,  and  from  his  medi- 


271 

cal  skill  he  won  the  esteem  of  his  associates  and  the 
confidence  of  his  friends. 

Ardently  devoted  to  the  pursuit  he  had  chosen 
for  life,  he  visited  Europe  for  the  purpose  of  adding 
to  his  professional  knowledge  and  reputation,  but 
alas!  he  was  not  destined  to  realize  the  anticipa- 
tions of  those  who  knew  him. 


(M.) 

Died,  on  the  fourth  instant,  1813,  Mary  Fisher, 
wife  of  William  Logan  Fisher,  of  Wakefield,  near 
Germantown. 

Memory  might  here  wish  to  retrace  and  dwell 
on  the  character  of  this  most  amiable  woman,  but 
afiection  stops  the  ready  tribute,  and  tells  how  feeble 
must  be  any  attempt  to  portray  her  great  and  many 
excellences. 

Oh  lost  too  soon!  yet  why  lament  a  fate. 
By  thousands  envied,  and  by  Heaven  approv'd, 
Rare  is  the  boon  to  those  of  longer  date, 
To  live,  to  die,  admir'd,  esteem'd,  beloved! 


272 


The  first  European  Friends  whom  I  remember, 
on  religious  visits,  when  a  child,  were  John  Town- 
send  (who  made  his  home  in  this  city  with  our  re- 
latives, Nicholas  and  Sarah  Wain,)  also  John  Storer, 
and  Thomas  Colley ;  the  two  latter  staid  much  at  my 
dear  parents';  Robert  Walker,  1773,  from  England, 
made  his  home  at  my  grandparents'  Joshua  and 
Sarah  Fisher;  likewise  Rachel  Wilson,  whom  my 
uncle  Samuel  Rowland  Fisher  crossed  the  ocean 
with,  after  one  of  his  visits  to  England  in  1768.  R. 
W.  was  aunt  to  our  beloved  friend  Deborah  Darby. 
Catharine  Payton,  afterwards  Philips,  and  Mary 
Piesly,  (memoirs  of  these  two  friends  are  in  print,) 
and  Samuel  Fothergill,  I  have  heard  spoken  of  in 
my  youthful  days  with  much  acceptance  in  visiting 
this  country  from  Europe  in  the  year  1755. 

Mary  Ridgway  and  Jane  Watson,  the  latter  from 
Ireland,  lodged  in  this  city  at  the  house  of  my  grand- 
father, W.  Logan's  cousin,  John  Pemberton,  an 
esteemed  minister  of  the  Gospel — they  preceded 
dear  Deborah  Darby,  and  Rebecca  Young,  after- 
wards Byrd,  in  their  visit  to  this  country;  and 
Martha  Routh  was  here  at  the  time  those  last  men- 
tioned friends  were,  and  made  her  home  at  my 
valued  uncle  Samuel  Rowland  Fisher's;  Lydia 
Rotch,  then  a  young  woman,  was  very  acceptably 
her  companion;  they  crossed  the  ocean  together  in 
the  same  ship,  I  think,  in  1794,  where  the  latter  had 
been  with  her  parents  and  sister  Mary  on  a  visit; 
also  John  Wigham,  a  valued  minister  from  Scotland, 
very  acceptably  at  the  same  time  coming  together 
on  a  religious  visit. 


273 

Ann  Alexander,  Mary  Prior;  the  latter  expe- 
rienced a  remarkable  preservation  from  shipwreck, 
and  gave  thanks  on  her  arrival  at  the  American 
shore.  Her  faith  and  patience  encouraged  those 
who  had  the  command  of  the  ship,  in  a  signal  and 
memorable  manner. 

Susanna  Home,  her  companion,  acceptably  Mary 
Allinson,  of  Burlington,  New  Jersey. 

Jervis  Johnson,  Mary  Naftal,  Hannah  Lewis, 
now  the  wife  of  John  Paul,  was  very  acceptably  her 
companion,  I  believe. 

William  Richman,  George  Withy,  and  divers 
other  friends  have  latterly  visited  us,  though  they 
may  not  be  inserted  or  in  order  as  to  their  following 
each  other;  also  John  Hall  and  William  Foster — 
the  latter  a  little  more  than  twelve  years  since. 

Sarah  Stephenson,  who  was  very  acceptably  on  a 
religious  visit  to  this  country,  died  at  the  house  of 
my  uncle,  Samuel  Rowland  Fisher,  the  26th  of 
Third-month,  1802.  Memoirs  of  her  life  and  tra- 
vels in  the  service  of  the  Gospel  are  in  print.  She 
was  very  affectionately  attended  as  a  companion  by 
Mary  Jeffreys,  who  afterwards  became  the  wife  of 
William  Powell,  of  Nurstead  Devizes.  I  had  a  late 
letter  from  this  dear  friend,  being  now  a  widow,  re- 
siding in  Melksham,  England. 

With  those  who  staid  under  the  roof  of  my  worthy 
grandparents  particularly,  as  well  as  others,  there 
appeared  a  friendship  that  was  valuable,  interesting, 
and  lasting — truly  a  friendship  founded  in  the  truth 
is  so,  under  all,  or  any  circumstances  that  may 
occur. 

Come  what  will,  tribulation,  inward  or  outward, 
if  we  keep  to  the  truth,  it  will  keep  us. 

From  the  religious  acquaintance,  association,  and 
connexion  I  had  with  several  dear  friends  who  made 
their  home  mostly  when  in  this  city  at  the  house  of 
24 


9!M 

my  uncle,  Samuel  Rowland  Fisher,  whose  society 
and  religious  labours,  1  trust,  were  blest  to  me  when 
young  in  years,  I  have  been  induced  to  have  some 
of  their  testimonies  preserved. 

John  Fothergill,  a  minister,  in  his  journal  speaks 
of  performing  his  third  and  last  visit  to  America 
from  England  in  the  year  1736,  and  arriving  at 
Philadelphia  the  sixth  of  the  Sixth-month,  "having 
had  an  easy,  good  passage,  and  more  especially  so 
because  of  the  favour  of  the  lively  sense  of  the  Di- 
vine presence  being  often  renewed,  under  which 
my  soul  humbly  worshipped  God,  who  is  worthy 
for  ever."  He  lodged  at  Israel  Pemberton's,  own 
brother  to  James  Pemberton,  first  cousin  to  William 
Logan,  my  respected  grandfather. 

Samuel  Fothergill,  who  was  in  Philadelphia  in 
1755,  was  son  to  John  Fothergill. 

Samuel  Nottingham  was  another  English  Friend 
who  visited  this  country  on  a  Gospel  errand. 

Thomas  Shillitoe  and  Elizabeth  Robeson  are 
names  that  I  recollect  on  religious  visits  to  this  coun- 
try some  years  since. 

David  Cummings,  of  Horsham,  Pennsylvania,  and 
William  Newbold,  of  Springfield,  New  Jersey, 
were  acceptably  with  dear  Deborah  Darby  and 
Rebecca  Byrd,  in  some  of  their  religious  engage- 
ments and  travels. 

I  also  have  a  recollection  and  remembrance  of 
many  valuable  Friends  that  have  visited  Europe 
from  this  country  on  a  religious  account;  the  names 
of  them  may  be  interesting  to  rehearse.  Of  those, 
as  far  as  my  memory  may  designate,  and  some 
whom  1  have  read  of — 
John  Churchman,  Rebecca  Jones, 

Daniel  Stanton,  Sarah  Harrison, 

Thomas  Chalkley,  David  Sands, 

Elizabeth  Drinker,  John  Pemberton, 


275 


Samuel  Emlen, 
Rebecca  Wright, 
Samuel  Smith, 
Nicholas  Wain, 
Thomas  Scattergood, 
George  Dillwyn,  accom 

panied  by  his  wife,  S 

D. 
Job  Scott, 
William  Savery, 
Jesse  Kersey, 
Joseph  Cloud, 
Elizabeth  Coggshill, 


Richard  Jordan, 

Nathan  Hunt, 

William  Jackson, 

Charity  Cook, 

Sarah  Talbot, 

Phebe  Speakman, 

John  Woolman, 

Abraham  Farrington, 

Susanna  Lightfoot, 

Sarah  Morris,  accompa- 
nied by  her  affectionate 
niece,  Deborah  Morris, 
in  1772. 


There  may  be  others,  but  these  are  all  I  can  re- 
collect at  this  time,  with  accuracy,  to  have  heard  of. 
Susanna  Morris  visited  Europe  three  times,  who 
was  eminent  in  her  day  for  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness.  An  account  of  her,  as  well  as  divers 
others,  is  in  the  Book  of  Memorials. 

Susanna  Morris  was  aunt  to  my  grandmother, 
Hannah  Logan. 

Memoirs  or  journals  of  these  dear  friends  are 
mostly  in  print,  which  I  am  induced  to  add,  as 
books  of  this  description  are  too  little  read  or  looked 
intof  and  they  are  truly  interesting. 

I  have  prepared,  by  the  aid  of  memorandums 
kindly  lent  to  me  by  several  FHends  for  that  pur- 
pose, lists  which,  I  believe,  are  nearly  or  quite  com- 
plete, of  Friends  who  have  visited  England  from 
this  country,  and  of  Friends  who  have  visited  us 
from  England. 


276 


Jin  Account  of  Friends  who  visited  America  from 
Europe  in  the  service  of  Truth,  in  the  years 

1656 — Mary  Fisher  and  Ann  Austin,  from  Eng- 
land. 
1657 — Josiah  Coal,  from  near  Bristol,  England. 

Mary  Clark,  London. 
1659 — William  Robinson,    England;    Marmaduke 
Stevenson,  Yorkshire;  who  both  suffered 
death  at  Boston. 
John  Taylor,  Yorkshire. 
1661 — George  Wilson,  England;  who  was  perse- 
cuted to  death  at  Jamestown,  Virginia. 
Elizabeth  Hooton,  JoanBrocksop,  England. 
Catharine    Chatham,   London.       She    went 
through  many  exercises  to   Boston,  and 
appeared  in  sackcloth,  as  a  sign  of  the 
Lord's  judgments  coming  upon  them. 
1662 — John  Taylor,  a  second  time. 

Oswell   Heritage  and  Ann  Robinson;   both 

died  in  Jamaica. 
Lydia  Oates,  England. 

Mary  Tomkins  and  Alice  Ambrose,  England. 
1665 — John  Burnyeat,  Cumberland. 
1670 — John  Burnyeat,  a  second  time. 

William  Simpson,  Lancashire.     He  died  at 
Barbadoes. 
1671 — George  Fox,  England. 

William  Edmundson,  Ireland. 
Robert  Widders,  England. 
John  Stubbs,  do. 

James  Lancaster,       do. 


277 

George  Pattison,  England. 

Solomon  Eccles,       do. 

John  Cartwright,      do. 

Thomas  Briggs,        do. 

John  Hall,  do. 

John  Rouse,  do. 

William  Bayley,       do. 

Elizabeth  Hooton,  second  time.     She  died 

at  Jamaica. 
Elizabeth  Myers,  England. 
1675 — William  Edmundson,  a  second  time. 

Christopher  Taylor. 
1676 — Thomas  Curwin  and  Alice  his  wife,  England. 
1678— Thomas  Fletcher,  England. 

John  Haydock,  England. 
1680 — Joan  Vokins  and  Sarah  Clark,  England. 
1682 — William  Penn,  with  many  Friends,  sailed 
for  Pennsylvania,  to  take  possession  and 
settle  the  province.     He  remained  there 
about  two  years,  and  in  1684  returned  to 
England. 
James  Martin. 
1683 — William  Edmundson,  third  time. 
1685 — James  Martin,  second  time. 
1687 — John  Hatton,  England. 
1691 — Thomas  Wilson,  James  Dickenson,  England. 
1694 — Thomas  Musgrave,  Yorkshire. 
1695 — Robert   Barrow,   Westmoreland.     He   was 
shipwrecked  with  Jonathan  Dickenson  and 
others  on  the  coast  of  Florida,  and  after 
passing  through  extreme  sufferings,  arrived 
in  Philadelphia,  where  he  soon  after  died. 
Robert  Wardel,  Durham.     He  died  in  the 
course  of  his  travels. 
1696 — Henry  Pay  ton,  England. 
Jonathan  Tyler,  England. 
James  Dickenson,  second  time. 
24 


278 

Jacob  Fallowfield,  England. 
1697— Thomas  Chalkley,  England. 
1698— William  Ellis,  England. 
Aaron  Atkinson. 

This   year   Thomas    Chalkley   returned   to 
England,  and  a  short  time  afterwards  he 
settled  in  America. 
Thomas  Turner,  England. 
Mary  Rogers,  Elizabeth  Webb,  England. 
Roger  Gill,  who  died  in  Philadelphia  in  the 
time  of  the  great  mortality  prevailing  in 
that  city  in  the  year  1699. 
Thomas  Story,  England. 
1699 — William  Penn,  second  time.     He  returned 

to  England  in  1701. 
1700 — John  Salkield,  Cumberland. 
Thomas  Thompson,  England. 
Josiah  Langdale,  do. 

John  Estaugh,  do. 

John  Richardson,  do. 

Sarah  Clement,  do. 

1703 — Samuel  Bovvnas,  do. 

1704 — Thomas  Turner,  second  time. 
Joseph  Glaister,  England. 
James  Caster. 
Mary  Bannister,  England. 
Mary  Ellerton,  England. 
1705 — John  Fothergill,  William  Armistead,  Eng- 
land. 
1707 — Samuel  Wilkinson,  England. 

Patrick  Henderson,  do. 

1709 — William  Baldwin,  Lancashire. 
1714 — Thomas  Wilson,  second  time. 
James  Dickenson,  third  time. 
Josiah  Langdale,  second  time. 
William  Armstrong,  England. 
James  Graham,  died  at  Burlington. 


279 

1717 — Benjamin  Holme,  Yorkshire. 
1719 — John  Danson,  England. 

Isaac  Hadwin,      do. 

John  Oxley,  do. 

Lydia  Lancaster,  do. 

Elizabeth  Rawlinson,  do. 

Rebecca  Turner,  do. 

1721 — John  Appleton,  Lincolnshire. 

John  Fothergill,  second  time. 

Lawrence  King,  Yorkshire,  England. 

Margaret  Payne,  England. 
1723 — Benjamin  Kidd,  Yorkshire,  England. 
1725 — Abigail  Bowles,  Ireland. 
1726— William  Piggot,  London. 
1727 — Joshua  Fielding,       do. 

Joseph  Taylor,         do. 

Rowland  Wilson,     do. 
1728 — Samuel  Bownas,  second  time. 
1731 — Paul  Johnson,  Dublin. 

John  Richardson,  second  time. 

Henry  Frankland,  Yorkshire. 
1732— Mungo  Bewly. 

Samuel  Stevenson,  Ireland. 

Alice  Anderson,  Yorkshire. 

Margaret  Cowpland,  Westmoreland. 

Hannah  Dent,  Yorkshire. 
1734 — Joseph  Gill,  Ireland. 

John  Burton,  Yorkshire. 

William  Backhouse,  Lancashire. 
1736 — Edward  Tylee,  near  Bristol. 

John  Fothergill,  third  time. 

-.moc.  (  Ruth  Courtney,  Ireland. 

Susanna  Hudson,  Ireland. 
John  Hunt,  London. 
1743 — Edmund  Peckover,  Norfolk. 
John  Hasland,  Yorkshire. 


280 

Samuel  Hopwood,  Cornwall. 
1744 — Christopher  Wilson,  Cumberland. 

Eliezer  Sheldon,  Ireland. 
1747 — Thomas  Gawthrop,  Westmoreland. 

Samuel  Nottingham,  England. 
1751 — Jonah  Thompson,  do. 

Mary  Weston,  do. 

1754 — Samuel  Fothergill,  arrived  Ninth-mo.  24th, 
England. 
Joshua  Dixon,  Durham. 
Mary  Piesley,  Ireland. 
Catherine  Payton,  England. 
1756 — Thomas  Gawthrop,  second  time. 

John  Hunt,  second  time,  and  Christopher 
Wilson,  second  time — who  were  deputed 
by  friends  in  England  to  advise  and  assist 
Friends  in  America  in  a  time  of  great  dif- 
ficulty. 
1756 — James  Tasker,  Oxfordshire. 

William  Reckett,  Lincolnshire. 
1757 — Samuel  Spavold,  Hertfordshire. 

Mary  Kirby,  Norfolk. 
1759 — John  Storer,  Nottingham. 
1760 — George  Mason,  Susanna  Hatton,  (late  Hud- 
son,) Jane  Crossfield,  arrived  9th  of  Ninth- 
month. 
1761 — Robert  Proud,  John   Stephenson,  Hannah 
Harris,  Elizabeth  Wilkinson,  Alice  Hall 
— died  in  Philadelphia;  arrived   17th  of 
Tenth-month. 
1764 — William  Reckett,  second  time. 

Susanna  Lightfoot,  third  time,  and  settled  in 
Pennsylvania. 
1765— John  Griffith,  Chelmsford, 

Abigail  Pike. 
1766 — Thomas  Gawthrop,  third  time. 


281 

176S— Rachel  Wilson,  arrived  Tenth-month  16th, 
Kendal. 

1770 — Joseph  Oxley,  arrived  at  New  York  in  the 
Fifth-month,  and  returned  in  the  spring  of 
1772. 
Samuel  Neal.     He  returned  in  1772. 

1773— Robert  Walker,  Elizabeth  Robinson,  Mary 
Leaver.  They  returned  home  Fifth-month 
1st,  1775. 

1775 — Thomas  Gawthrop,  fourth  time,  returned 
Fifth-month  1st,  1775. 

1785 — John  Storer,  second  time. 
John  Townsend,  London. 
Thomas  Colley,  Sheffield. 

1789 — Mary  Ridgway,  Jane  Watson,  Ireland.  Re- 
turned in  1792. 

1793 — Deborah  Darby,  Rebecca  Young.  Arrived 
at  New  York  Tenth-month  8th,  and  re- 
turned to  England  18th  of  Fifth-month, 
1797. 

1794— John  Wigham,  Martha  Routh,  Scotland.  Ar- 
rived at  Boston. 

1797 — Jervis  Johnson,  Ireland. 

1798— Mary  Pryor,  England. 

1799_John  Hall,  England. 

1801 — Sarah  Stephenson — died  in  Philadelphia  the 
26th  of  Fourth-month,  1802. 
Mary  Jeffries,  her  companion,  returned  to 
England  soon  after  the  decease  of  Sarah 
Stephenson. 

1801 — Martha  Routh,  second  time. 

1803 — Ann  Alexander,  Yorkshire. 

1804— William  Crotch,  England. 

1810 — Susanna  Home,         do. 

1816— Mary  Naftel,  do. 

IS  18— William  Rickman,     do. 


282 

1820 — William  Forster,  Dorsetshire.  He  returned 
to  England  Fifth-month,  1825. 

1822 — George  Withy,  England. 

1823 — Isaac  Stephenson. 
Anna  Braithvvaite. 

1824 — Elizabeth  Robson,  Arrived  in  the  Tenth- 
month,  and  returned  home  Seventh-month 
20th,  1828. 

1825 — AnnaBraithwaite,  second  time,  accompanied 
by  her  husband,  Isaac  Braithwaite,  from 
Kendal. 

1826 — Thomas  Shilitoe.  Arrived  at  New  York 
Ninth-month  7th,  and  returned  Eighth- 
month  8th,  1829. 
George  Jones  and  his  wife 
Ann  Jones.  Arrived  at  Philadelphia  Ninth- 
month  18th,  and  sailed  from  New  York 
as  below. 

1827 — Anna  Braithwaite,  third  time,  accompanied 
by  her  husband.  They  returned  home 
from  New  York  Sixth-month  16th,  1829. 

1830 — Jonathan  and  Hannah  Backhouse.  Arrived 
at  New  York  in  the  Hibernia,  Ninth- 
month  3d,  1830. 

1832 — Jacob  Green,  from  Ireland. 

1837 — Joseph  John  Gurney,and  still  here  Eleventh- 
month,  1838. 
Daniel  Wheeler  and  Elizabeth  Robson  are 
expected. 


2S3 


•Account  of  Friends  who  went  on  religious  visits 
from  */imerica  to  Europe  in  the  years 

1693 — William  Walker,  from  Pennsylvania.     He 

died  while  on  his  travels. 
1694 — Thomas  Duckett,  Pennsylvania. 
1695— Griffith  Owen. 

Thomas  Janney — died  from  home. 
1700 — Joseph  Kirkbride. 

1702 — William  Biles  and  his  wife,  Pennsylvania. 
1706 — Ellis  Pugh,  of  Pennsylvania. 
1707— Thomas  Potts. 
1708— Thomas  Chalkley. 

Richard  Gove — died  from  home. 
1710 — Elizabeth  Kay,  Jersey. 
1711 — Ann  Chapman,  Pennsylvania. 

Peter  Fearon,  Jr.,  New  Jersey. 

Peter  Bain,  Jr.,  Jersey. 
1713 — John  Salkield,  Pennsylvania. 
1715 — Anthony  Morris,  Pennsylvania. 
1716 — Thomas   Story — returned   to  England  and 

settled  there. 
1722 — Esther  Clare,  Pennsylvania. 
1726 — John  Estaugh,  Jersey. 
1728 — Robert  Jordan,  Virginia. 

Jane  Fenn  and  Eliza  Whately,  Pennsylvania. 
1730 — Ann  Parsons. 
1731 — Susanna  Morris,  Pennsylvania. 

Arthur  Jones,  do. 

Andrew  Crammer  do. 

1732 — John  Cadwallader,  do. 

1733 — Mary  Pennel,  do. 

Ann  Roberts. 


284 

1734 — Joseph  Jordan,  Virginia. 

Susanna  Morris,  second  time. 

Elizabeth  Morgan,  Pennsylvania. 
1735 — Mary  Lewis,  do. 

Rebecca  Minshall,  do. 

1739— Morris  Aldridge,  New  England. 
1740 — Michael  Lightfoot,  Pennsylvania. 
1743— Elizabeth  Shipley,  do. 

Esther  White,  do. 

1744 — Robert  Jordan,  second  time. 

Peter  Davis,  New  England. 

Thomas  Nicholson,  North  Carolina. 
1747 — Ebenezer  Large,  Jersey. 
1746 — Jane  Hoskins,  formerly  Fenn,  second  time. 

Elizabeth  Hudson. 

Daniel  Stanton,  Jersey. 
1749 — John  GriiFith,  Pennsylvania. 
1750 — John  Churchman  and  William  Brown,  sailed 
fourth-month   4th,    and   returned    ninth- 
month  24th,  1754. 

John  Pemberton. 
1752 — Margaret  Ellis,  Pennsylvania. 

Margaret  Lewis,         do. 
1753 — Susanna  Morris,  third  time. 
1754 — Elizabeth   Ashbridge   and   Sarah   Worrell, 
both  died  abroad. 

Mary  James,  Pennsylvania. 
1755 — Peter  Andrews,  Jersey,  died  at   Norwich 

13th  of  7th  month,  1756. 
1756 — Abraham  Farrington,  died  in  England. 

Samuel  Emlen. 
1758 — Joseph  White,  Pennsylvania. 

Mordecai  Yarnall,  do. 

1761 — James  Daniel,  Jersey. 

Ann  Moore,  Maryland. 
1763 — Thomas  Goodwin,  Pennsylvania. 

George  Mason,  do. 


285 

William  Home,  Pennsylvania. 
1764 — Samuel  Emlen,  second  time. 
1768 — Thomas  Goodwin,  second  time. 

Thomas  Carter,  Pennsylvania. 
1770— Robert  Willis,  Jersey. 

1771 — William  Hunt,  North  Carolina — he  died  in 
England — his  companion,  Thomas  Thorn- 
borough,  soon  after  returned  to  Carolina. 
1772 — Sarah   Morris,  accompanied   by  her  niece, 
Deborah  Morris. 

Samuel  Emlen,  third  time. 

John  Woolman,  died  in  England,  Jersey. 
1775 — Thomas  Carrington,  Pennsylvania. 
1781 — Robert  Valentine,  do. 

1782 — John  Pemberton,  returned  home  in  the  7th 
mo.,  1789. 

William  Mathews. 
1783 — Patience  Brayton   and  Mehitable  Jenkins, 
New  England. 

Rebecca  Wright. 

Nicholas  Wain,  Pennsylvania. 
1784 — George  Dillwyn  and  wife,  returned  1791. 

Rebecca  Jones. 

Samuel  Emlen,  fourth  time. 

Thomas  Ross. 
1785 — Zachariah  Dicks   and  Ann   Jessup,   North 

Carolina. 
1788 — James  Thornton,  Pennsylvania. 
1791 — Samuel  Smith,  do. 

1792— Samuel  Emlen,  fifth  time. 

Sarah  Harrison,  Philadelphia. 

Sarah  Birkbeck,  of  England,  was  her  com- 
panion. 

Job  $cott,  died  in  Ireland,  New  England. 
1793 — George  Dillwyn,  second  time. 

Elizabeth  Drinker,  died  in  England. 
1794 — Thomas  Scattergood,  Philadelphia. 

25 


286 

*  John  Pemberton,  third  time,  died  in  Ger- 
many, 31st  of  1st  mo.,  1795. 
1795 — Nicholas  Wain,  second  time,  accompanied  by 

David  Bacon,  an  esteemed  elder. 

David  Sands,  New  York. 
1796 — William  Savery,  returned  10th  mo.,  1798. 

Samuel  Emlen,  sixth  time. 

Samuel  Emlen,  his  son,  an  elder  and  mem- 
ber of  Burlington  jDarticular  meeting  in 
New  Jersey,  deceased  1st  mo.  29th,  1838. 

Sarah  Talbert,  Pennsylvania. 

Phebe  Speakman,         do. 
1797 — Charity  Cook,  North  Carolina. 

Mary  Swett,  Jersey. 
1798 — Hannah  Barnard,  New  York. 

Elizabeth  Coggeshall,    do. 
1800 — Samuel  Smith,  second  time,  Philadelphia. 

Richard  Jordan,  North  Carolina. 
1802 — Joseph  Cloud,  do. 

William  Jackson,  Pennsylvania. 
1804 — Jesse  Kersey,  do. 

1807— Stephen  Grellet,  New  York. 
1809 — Benjamin  White,  Pennsylvania. 
1811— Henry  Hull,  New  York. 
1813 — Elizabeth  Coggeshall,  second  time. 
1816 — Hannah  Field,  New  York. 

Elizabeth  Barker. 

*  He  was  accompanied  by  our  friend  Alexander  Wilson,  who 
remained  with  him  during  all  his  travels,  until  he  closed  his 
earthly  pilgrimage  at  Pyrmont,  in  Germany,  in  great  sweetness, 
feeling  an  assurance  of  having  obtained  peace  with  his  Maker. 

He  was  much  beloved  by  those  professing  with  us  in  that 
J)lace,  likewise  by  the  inhabitants  generally,  who  attended  his 
funeral,  and  appeared  much  affected  at  being  deprived  of  such  an 
excellent  friend;  words  fall  short  of  conveying  tne  feeling  regard 
that  was  manifested  by  some  who  testified  that  they  believed 
him  to  be  a  true  minister  of  the  gospel  of  Christ,  because  the 
words  that  he  spoke  to  them  were  living  words,  which  they  felt 
living  in  their  hearts. 


287 

1818 — Benjamin  White,  second  time. 

Stephen  Grellet,  second  time. 
1819— William  Planner,  Ohio. 
1820 — Nathan  Hunt,  North  Carolina. 
1823— Elizabeth  Walker,  New  York. 

Huldah  Sears,  Virginia. 

Isaac  Hamer,  Tennessee. 
1828 — William  Flanner,  second  time,  sailed  from 
Philadelphia   1st  mo.  20th,  and  returned 
4th  mo.  22nd,  1829. 
1831 — Christopher  Healy,  Pennsylvania. 

Stephen  Grellet,  third  time. 

Jonathan  Taylor,  Ohio,  died  in  Ireland. 

John  Wilbur,  Rhode  Island. 
1832 — Charles  Osborne. 
1833— Elisha  Bates,  Ohio. 
1834— John  Warren. 
1835— Anna  M.  Thorne. 

[As  I  believe  that  such  interchanges  of  religious 
visits  have  been  remarkably  blest  and  useful  in  the 
community  and  religious  society,  so  do  I  most  sin- 
cerely desire  under  the  anointing  of  Israel's  Shep- 
herd, the  leader  and  only  sure  guide  and  director  of 
his  people,  that  it  may  continue  to  be  blest  to  the 
heritage  of  God,  the  only  safe  anointing,  guidance, 
teaching,  and  direction;  under  that  alone,  I  believe 
it  vi^ill  continue  to  be  thus  owned  as  in  former  days. 

H.  L.  S.] 


288 


In  the  year  1671,  John  Burnyeat  laboured  much 
among  Friends  settled  in  Maryland  and  parts  adja- 
cent, and  before  the  close  of  the  year,  appointed  a 
meeting  for  all  the  Friends  in  that  province,  &c., 
to  take  his  leave  of  them;  sometime  before  the  meet- 
ing was  held,  George  Fox  and  a  number  of  other 
Friends  arrived  from  England,  and  attended  the 
meeting,  which  was  held  several  days,  in  which 
they  endeavoured  to  establish  meetings  for  disci- 
pline. George  Fox,  John  Burnyeat,  with  divers  other 
Friends,  from  thence  proceeded  to  New  England, 
and  it  appears  from  the  journals  of  George  Fox  and 
John  Burnyeat,  that  a  regular  yearly  meeting  had 
been  established  at  Rhode  Island  for  Friends  of 
New  England  and  colonies  adjacent,  which  George 
Fox  and  a  number  of  other  Friends  from  England 
attended,  in  Fourth-month,  1672. 

It  appears  from  J.  Gough's  history,  that  a  con- 
siderable number  of  Friends  had  settled  in  New 
Jersey,  in  the  year  1678,  four  years  before  William 
Penn  came  to  Pennsylvania:  the  first  meeting  they 
held  was  under  a  tent  at  Burlington,  until  John 
Woolston  had  got  his  house  completed,  (the  first 
frame  house  in  Burlington,)  where  they  held  meet- 
ings for  worship  and  discipline.  Meetings  were 
continued  there  during  his  life,  and  that  of  his 
widow,  until  a  meeting-house  was  built,  and  soon 
after  a  regular  monthly  meeting  was  established. 

In  the  year  1681,  a  considerable  number  of 
Friends  from  Dublin  settled  near  Salem,  New 
Jersey;  many  Friends  having  previously  settled 
in  that  neighbourhood,  and  had  built  a  meeting- 
house there.  After  sometime,  several  of  them  took 
up  land  and  settled  near  Newtown  creek,  and  held 


289 

a  meeting  at  the  house  of  Mark  Newby,  and  in  two 
years  afterwards  built  a  meeting-house  at  Newtown. 
Sundry  Friends  having  settled  some  by  the  river 
side,  some  beyond  Cooper's  creek,  and  some  at 
Woodbury  creek.  With  the  concurrence  of  Bur- 
lington Friends,  they  established  a  monthly  meet- 
ing for  discipline;  and  Friends  in  Salem  increasing 
in  num.bers,  composed  together  one  quarterly  meet- 
ing. 

In  the  year  1681,  a  yearly  meeting  was  establish- 
ed at  Burlington,  which  was  first  held  at  the  house  of 
Thomas  Gardiner,  the  31st  of  6th  month  the  same 
year. 

In  1 682,  William  Penn,  with  divers  other  Friends, 
arrived  in  Pennsylvania  to  take  possession  and  settle 
the  province. 

The  first  meeting-house  in  Philadelphia  was 
erected  of  boards,  near  the  banks  of  the  Delaware, 
in  1682.  The  first  monthly  meeting  in  that  city 
was  held  the  9th  of  11th  month  the  same  year. 
The  first  monthly  meeting  in  Bucks  county,  which 
some  Friends  of  New  Jersey  attended,  was  held 
near  Middleton,  at  the  house  of  Nicholas  Wain,  1st 
of  11th  month,  1683.  See  Gough's  history.  A 
yearly  meeting  continued  to  be  held  at  Burlington, 
until  the  year  1685,  when  it  was  agreed  to  hold  it 
alternately  at  Philadelphia  and  Burlington;  and  in 
the  year  1760,  it  was  concluded  to  hold  it  in  Phila- 
delphia only;  and  1798,  it  w^as  agreed  to  be  held 
the  third  Second-day  in  the  Fourth-month;  the 
meeting  of  ministers  and  elders  the  Seventh-day 
preceding,  instead  of  the  Second-day  after  the  fourth 
First-day  in  the  Ninth-month,  at  which  time  it  was 
formerly  held. 

When  the  yearly  meeting  for  Pennsylvania  and 
New  Jersey  was  first  established,  it  was  intended  to 
consist  of  Friends  northward  as  far  as  New  Eng- 
25* 


290 

land,  and  southward  as  far  as  Carolina.  Maryland 
sent  representatives  for  some  time,  but  the  distance 
of  their  habitations  rendering  it  inconvenient  for 
Friends  of  the  remoter  colonies,  to  give  their  at- 
tendance, the  yearly  meeting  was  constituted  of 
the  Friends  of  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  only, 
and  so  continued  several  years.  Afterwards,  a  con- 
siderable number  of  Friends  residing  in  the  western 
parts  of  Virginia  and  Maryland  belonged  to  this 
yearly  meeting.  See  Gough's  History,  Vol.  III., 
page  306. 

The  following  abstract  of  a  letter  from  William 
Penn,  to  a  person  who  had  made  some  unmerited 
reflections  upon  him,  may  not  be  unprofitably  re- 
curred to  at  this  time. 

"If  Friends  here  (in  Pennsylvania)  keep  to  God, 
and  in  the  justice,  mercy,  equity,  and  fear  of  the 
Lord,  their  enemies  will  be  their  footstool;  if  not, 
their  heirs,  and  my  heirs  too,  will  lose  all,  and  dis- 
solution will  follow.'^ 


891 


Testimony  from  New  Garden  Monthly  Meeting, 
in  Chester  County,  concerning  Hannah  Lind- 

LET. 

This  our  beloved  friend  was  born  in  New  Gar- 
den, in  the  Fifth-month,  1755.  Her  parents,  James 
5ind  Rebecca  Miller,  were  Friends  in  good  esteem. 
As  she  grew  up  to  the  state  of  a  young  woman,  she 
met  with  various  trials;  and  has  often  been  heard, 
with  thankfulness,  to  acknowledge  the  loving  kind- 
ness of  her  heavenly  Father,  in  preserving  her. 
About  the  nineteenth  year  of  her  age  she  was  mar- 
ried to  William  Miller,  of  New  Garden  aforesaid, 
entered  into  the  cares  of  a  large  family,  and  approv- 
ed herself  well  qualified  for  such  a  charge;  her  de- 
portment and  conversation  being  grave  and  solid, 
yet  affable  and  instructive.  Carefully  improving 
the  talents  she  was  favoured  with,  she  became  quali- 
fied for  service  in  the  church;  and  after  many  bap- 
tising seasons,  in  much  diffidence,  she  had  to  declare 
unto  others  what  the  Lord  had  done  for  her  soul. 

During  her  widowhood  she  experienced  various 
trials  and  exercises,  particularly  on  account  of  her 
bearing  a  faithful  testimony  against  war,  for  which 
she  suffered  much  in  property,  being  stripped  in  so 
extraordinary  a  manner,  that  she  has  been  heard  to 
express,  her  faith  was  closely  tried,  but  was  merci- 
fully sustained;  relying  on  that  arm  that  is  invisible. 

She  was  afterwards  married  to  our  friend  Jacob 
Lindley;  was  a  dilligent  attender  of  our  religious 
meetings,  and  careful  in  making  way  for  her  family 
to  attend  them  also:  and  frequently  on  the  afternoon 
of  First-day,  would  collect  her  children  and  others 


292 

under  her  direction,  and  promote  the  reading  of  the 
holy  scriptures.  As  she  sat  in  meeting,  the  gravity 
and  composure  of  her  countenance  and  becoming 
manner  of  sitting,  bespoke  deep  inward  recollection 
and  divine  engagement:  her  public  testimony  was 
acceptable,  being  seasoned  with  a  lively  savour;  in 
supplication  deep  and  fervent.  She  sympathized 
with  her  fellow  creatures  under  affliction,  having  at 
times  remarked,  "When  I  have  gone  only  to  pay 
formal  visits,  I  have  returned  empty  and  barren; 
but  when  1  have  given  attention  to  the  small  inti- 
mations presented  to  my  view,  to  visit  the  afflicted, 
or  to  administer  some  relief  to  the  necessitous,  I 
have  been  favoured  to  return  with  a  calm  and  peace- 
ful mind." 

In  the  Ninth-month  last,  after  a  time  of  close  ex- 
ercise, she  apprehended  it  would  conduce  most  to 
her  peace  to  attend  the  yearly  meeting  in  Philadel- 
phia, it  being  at  that  time,  [1798]  an  awful  dispen- 
sation of  sickness  and  mortality  in  the  city;  and  in 
the  opening  of  the  meeting  of  ministers  and  elders 
on  Seventh-day,  she  was  favoured  in  solemn  sup- 
plication, to  the  comfort  of  Friends  present. 

During  her  stay  in  the  city,  she  more  than  once 
observed,  that  she  had  the  reward  of  sweet  peace  in 
performing  what  she  believed  was  required  of  her; 
having  said  to  her  husband,  before  they  left  home, 
<*If  thou  and  I,  and  many  more  should  fall  in  the 
attempt,  the  sacrifice  is  small  compared  with  the 
testimony.  Shortly  after  she  returned  home,  being 
seized  with  the  fever  then  so  mortal  in  the  city,  she 
evinced  much  Christian  fortitude;  and  being  queried 
with  how  she  felt  as  to  the  event,  replied,  "As  to 
life  or  death,  I  have  not  seen;  with  respect  to  out- 
ward things,  it  might  appear  desirable  to  stay  some 
time  longer,  but  the  Lord  can  make  it  easy,  and 
enable  me  to  resign."    At  another  time,  being  asked 


293 

how  she  felt,  answered,  ^'My  mind  is  preserved 
perfectly  quiet  and  calm,  which  I  esteem  an  un- 
speakable favour.'^  Some  time  after,  mention  was 
made  of  a  person  who  had  lately  passed  through 
some  afflictive  seasons;  she  said,  *'Poor  mortals  are 
dull  scholars,  not  willing  to  learn:  though  the  Al- 
mighty administers  dispensations  like  judgments, 
yet  it  may  be  in  great  mercy,  as  he  leaves  nothing 
undone,  in  order  to  save  the  soul  of  his  creature 
man." 

Continuing  in  a  sweet  composure  of  mind,  after 
about  five  days  illness,  she  finished  her  course  on 
the  3d  day  of  the  Tenth-month,  1798,  in  the  44th 
year  of  her  age.  The  remembrance  of  her  innocent 
life  and  meek  spirit  lives  with  us,  and  her  memorial 
remains  to  be  sweet  and  precious  to  many  minds. 


294 


Testimony  of  New   Garden   Monthly  Meeting 
cojicerning  Jacob  Lindley. 

This  our  valuable  friend  was  born  in  the  Ninth- 
month,  1744.  He  was  early  in  life  a  lover  of  re- 
ligious enquiry,  being  of  an  affable  and  communica- 
tive disposition,  not  willingly  giving,  nor  readily 
taking  offence;  and  as  his  natural  endowments  be- 
came seasoned  with  divine  grace,  he  was  fitted  to 
fill  with  propriety  the  important  station  to  which 
he  was  afterwards  called. 

His  first  appearance  in  the  ministry  was  about  the 
thirtieth  year  of  his  age:  his  communications  were 
lively  and  powerful,  reaching  the  witness  in  the 
hearts  of  those  to  whom  he  ministered;  and  by  keep- 
ing low  and  humble,  walking  in  fear,  and  in  obe- 
dience to  the  manifestations  of  duty,  he  grew  in  his 
gift,  and  became  an  able  minister  of  the  gospel, 
qualified  to  divide  the  word  aright  to  the  several 
states  of  the  people.  Being  well  versed  in  the 
Scriptures,  he  was  frequently  enabled  to  open  them 
with  instructive  clearness.  In  times  of  internal 
commotion  and  strife  in  our  country,  he  was  deep- 
ly concerned;  earnestly  cautioning  Friends,  espe- 
cially the  young  men,  to  watch  against  the  delusive 
spirit  of  war,  in  its  various  appearances,  so  desolat- 
ing in  its  progress,  and  destructive  to  the  human 
species;  and  we  believe  his  labours  herein  were  pro- 
ductive of  salutary  effects. 

He  was  one  of  those  who  bore  a  faithful  testimony 
against  the  improper  use  of  ardent  spirits,  at  a  time 
when  the  minds  of  Friends  in  general  were  less 
awakened  to  the  magnitude  of  the  evil,  than  has 


295 

since  been  the  case.  The  descendants  of  the  African 
race  found  in  him  a  zealous  advocate;  their  wrongs 
and  sufferings  obtaining  his  tender  sympathy. 

His  travels  in  the  exercise  of  his  gift,  appear  to 
have  been  to  the  acceptance  and  edification  of  those 
among  whom  he  came. 

We  shall  close  this  Testimony  with  a  few  re- 
marks on  the  last  day  of  his  existence  in  mutability, 
awfully  impressive  of  the  necessity  of  having  our 
accounts  in  readiness.  He  appeared  in  the  meeting 
at  New  Garden,  in  a  lively  and  affecting  communi- 
cation, delivered  with  heart-tendering  energy  and 
clearness;  in  the  course  of  which,  he  intimated  an 
apprehension  that  there  might  be  those  present  who 
would  not  see  the  light  of  another  day;  and  added, 
perhaps  it  might  be  himself. 

After  meeting  he  appeared  in  his  usual  cheerful 
disposition;  when,  towards  evening,  by  a  fall  from  a 
chaise,  he  was  suddenly  deprived  of  life. 

His  decease  was  on  the  12th  of  the  Sixth-month, 
1814;  and  on  the  14th  of  the  same,  he  was  interred 
in  Friends'  burying  ground  at  New  Garden,  where 
a  solemn  meeting  was  held  on  the  occasion. 


296 


Having  but  one  copy  left  of  the  following  memoir 
of  my  dear  departed  husband  and  his  endeared 
child — am  induced  to  insert  the  account  with  those 
extracts  and  fragments  that  I  think  worth  preserv- 
ing with  some  mention  of  my  immediate  family  and 
connections.  I  am  desirous  in  the  preceding,  as  well 
as  in  what  may  follow  after,  to  show  the  advantage 
of  the  remark  of  my  dear  friend,  Rebecca  Byrd,  re- 
specting her  union  with  Deborah  Darby,  that  their 
^^griefs  if  shared  were  less,  and  every  joy  increased, 
which  gave  rise  to  the  hope  that  their  was  a  friend- 
ship built  on  what  would  stand  the  wreck  of  worlds 
— a  principle  divine — a  unison  of  souls — an  attain- 
ment desirable  of  bearing  one  another's  burthens, 
and  so  fulfilling  the  law  of  Christ." 

From  motives  of  deep  .interest  in  the  beloved 
children  and  grandchildren  of  my  dear  departed 
husband,  (of  whom  nineteen  survive  him,)  and  dedi- 
cated to  the  memory  of  those  that  are  gone,  these 
fragments  are  offered  to  you,  ''with  design  to  point 
out  the  beneficial  effects  of  a  life  of  religion  and 
virtue,  at  that  solemn  period  which  mocks  the 
splendour  of  triumphs,  and  lays  human  honour  in 
the  dust:  more  with  a  view  to  inspire  us  with  a  de- 
sire of  copying  their  virtues,  than  to  build  their 
tombs  or  garnish  their  sepulchres."  Annexed  is 
an  Eulogium,  by  our  friend  Roberts  Vaux,  as  a  little 
sketch  of  the  life  of  one  whose  name  is  dear  to  us. 

For  thus  "the  actions  of  the  just," 
When  memory  hath  enshrined  them, 

Ev'n  from  the  dark  and  silent  dust  j 
Their  odour  leave  behind  them. 

Your  affectionately  interested  Mother, 

Hannah  Logan  Smith. 

Philadelphia,  FHrst-month,  1827. 


297 

Philadelphia,  3d  Mo.,  1809. 

Dear  Brother, 

Lest  thou  shouldest  not  have  left  Europe  as  soon 
as  I  have  looked  for,  have  thought  it  proper  to  in- 
form thee  and  thy  dear  w^ife  of  the  great  loss  I  have 
sustained  in  the  death  of  my  much  beloved  son 
Benjamin,  who  departed  this  life  on  the  27th  ultimo, 
about  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning.  I  have  acquainted 
thee  in  former  letters,  of  his  having  taken  a  violent 
cold  in  Portland,  on  or  about  the  22nd  of  the  Ninth- 
month  last,  w^hich  terminated,  by  the  time  he  re- 
turned to  Boston,  in  fever  and  night-sweats,  w^hich 
continued  on  him  until  his  death;  it  was  about  one 
month  before  he  returned  to  Burlington,  when  I 
met  him — was  much  alarmed,  seeing  he  was  so  much 
reduced.  We  staid  in  Burlington  about  two  weeks 
before  we  moved  to  the  city,  in  hopes  he  might  get 
better  by  good  nursing  and  gentle  exercise.  Though 
he  did  not  appear  to  get  much  worse,  he  did  not  get 
better.  When  we  came  to  the  city,  we  called  in 
two  physicians,  and  pretty  soon  after,  another.  The 
first  thing  they  did  was  to  try  to  salivate  him,  which 
was  tried  inwardly  and  outwardly,  but  to  no  effect. 
He  was  bled,  cupped,  blistered — besides  an  issue 
put  in  his  side:  all  which  were  very  afflicting,  but 
he  bore  them  with  great  patience.  These  opera- 
tions reduced  him  very  much,  so  that  in  a  month's 
time  he  was  a  mere  skeleton :  his  bones  came  through 
his  skin,  which  afterwards  appeared  to  be  the  great- 
est suffering  he  experienced,  not  being  able  to  get 
much  rest  on  account  of  his  bones  paining  him. 
We  had  him  placed  in  the  back  bow-room  down 
stairs — had  a  good  nurse  to  take  care  of  him;  be- 
sides, there  were  a  number  of  his  acquaintances  who 
offered  their  services  to  sit  up  with  him — I  believe 
about  sixteen,  who  took  turns,  two  a  night.  This 
26 


«9S 

was  continued  from  the  time  he  was  confined  to  his 
bed  in  the  room,  which  was  about  fifteen  weeks. 
We  had  a  thermometer  in  the  room,  which  was 
kept  night  and  day  the  same  temperature.  I  am 
thus  particular,  to  show  that  every  means  that  lay 
in  my  power  to  make  him  comfortable,  and,  if  pos- 
sible, to  preserve  his  life,  were  done.  But  the  Lord 
saw  meet  to  remove  him. 

He  was  mercifully  favoured  throughout  his  sick- 
ness with  a  quiet  mind.  In  the  forepart  of  his  ill- 
ness he  was  frequent  in  prayer  to  his  heavenly 
Father,  to  preserve  him  in  patience  and  resignation 
to  liis  divine  will,  either  in  life  or  death.  His  mind 
was  wonderfully  opened  to  see  into  the  christian 
dispensation,  and  the  beauty  of  the  Truth  as  it  is  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  He  had  many  edifying 
communications  to  those  around  him,  particularly 
to  his  brother  Charles,  as  well  as  myself.  He  truly 
preached  the  gospel  of  his  dear  Redeemer,  and  used 
to  say,  if  his  heavenly  Father  would  but  spare  him 
he  would  follow  him  to  the  ends  of  the  world. 
Thomas  Scattergood,'*  who  spent  much  time  with 
him,  had  frequent  communications  with  him. 
Though  I  was  often  present,  I  did  not  hear  much 
of  their  conversation;  but  at  the  grave-yard,  where 
there  was  a  very  large  concourse  of  people,  he  in 
his  public  testimony  said,  he  never  knew  a  person 
of  his  age  who  had  a  clearer  sight  and  sense  of  the 
gospel  dispensation  than  this  youth.  I  can  truly 
say,  he  preached  the  everlasting  gospel  to  me  when 
sitting  by  his  bedside,  where  I  spent  much  of  my 
time,  loving  to  be  with  him;  my  mind  seemed  more 
tranquil  sitting  with  him  than  any  where  else:  in 
fact,  I  never  felt  easy  to  leave  him,  but  staid  pretty 
constant  with  him,  so  that  my  health  is  much  im- 

*  A  beloved  and  devoted  minister. 


299 

paired. — And  the  separation,  though  looked  for,  so 
great,  that  I  am  at  times  scarcely  able  to  support 
life,  though  fully  persuaded  that  my  loss  is  his  great 
gain;  believing  that  his  soul  is  now  at  rest  with  his 
dear  Redeemer.  I  was  sitting  by  him  the  morning 
he  went  off,  which  was  quite  unexpected  to  himself 
and  me.  He  had  always  been  favoured  to  sit  up  in 
his  easy  chair,  and  eat  his  meals.  He  was  in  his 
chair,  when  he  was  taken  so  ill — he  had  finished  his 
breakfast — the  doctors  had  just  left  him.  I  was 
conversing  with  him — his  voice  was  preserved  to 
the  last.  He  began  to  cough:  I  discovered  he  had 
more  difficulty  to  raise  the  phlegm  than  usual:  ob- 
served him  to  be  trying  to  unbutton  his  collar. 
Nurse  came  to  him  and  opened  his  clothes.  I  open- 
ed the  windows  and  came  to  him.  He  desired  I 
would  get  a  quill  and  run  it  down  his  throat,  first 
dipping  it  in  sweet  oil.  Charles  ran  into  the  store 
and  brought  one.  I  ran  it  down  his  throat.  He 
told  me  to  do  it  again,  which  I  did,  having  no  effect. 
He  then  asked  for  a  drink  of  water,  which  I  gave 
him,  but  could  not  rise;  he  was  in  great  distress. 
He  told  nurse  to  lay  him  down,  which  she  did,  and 
then  cried  out  "Lord  spare  me  this  time,  and  I  will 
follow  thee  to  the  ends  of  the  world,^'  and  imme- 
diately after  cried  with  a  loud  voice  three  times, 
"Lord  have  mercy  on  my  soul."  I  stood  by  him 
in  great  distress  of  mind,  and  it  sprang  in  my  heart 
to  say  to  him,  "Dear  son,  thou  hast  witnessed  the 
Lord's  mercy  to  be  near  thee  throughout  thy  sick- 
ness, don't  loose  hold  at  this  time,  it  will  soon  be 
well  with  thee."  This  appeared  to  take  off  the 
perturbation  he  was  in;  his  countenance  became 
tranquil,  and  he  went  off  in  about  five  minutes  with- 
out sigh  or  groan,  not  even  stirring  hand  or  foot. 
It  was  not  more  than  fifteen  minutes  from  the  time 
he  began  to  cough  till  he  went  off. 


300 

Dear  brother,  I  have  had  a  great  struggle  to  keep 
my  mind  composed  in  giving  thee  this  melancholy 
account  of  the  end  of  this  dear  plant,  which  appear- 
ed to  have  grown  to  maturity  before  many  others. 
His  aflfection  and  tender  behaviour  to  me,  were  very 
endearing.  His  steady  habits  and  great  care  to  my 
concerns,  fastened  him  very  closely  to  me,  perhaps 
too  much  so ;  that  it  has  pleased  the  Allwise  Disposer 
of  human  events  to  deprive  me  of  this  dear  son,  and 
let  me  see  that  we  should  not  love  any  thing  more 
than  Him,  neither  houses  nor  lands,  wife  nor  chil- 
dren, but  to  love  him  above  all,  and  then  all  things 
will  go  well  with  us  here  as  well  as  in  the  world  to 
come.  I  have  had  trials  sufficient  to  wean  me  from 
this  world,  and  it  appears  now  to  me,  though  I  pos- 
sess all  the  comforts  this  life  can  enjoy  as  to  worldly 
matters,  they  appear  to  me  as  though  I  possessed 
them  not.  That  the  desire  of  my  heart  is  to  seek 
the  friendship  of  my  heavenly  Father,  to  feel  his 
love  to  flow  in  my  heart,  which  is  more  to  be  de- 
sired than  all  the  pleasures  and  profits  of  this  fading 
transitory  world,  that  when  the  Lord  sees  meet  to 
cut  the  thread  of  my  life,  he  may  receive  me  into 
his  ever-blessed  rest,  is  the  desire  of  my  soul  at 
this  time. 


Having  met  with  the  foregoing  extract  of  a  letter 
from  my  beloved  husband  to  his  brother,  Jacob 
Ridgway,  then  residing  in  Paris,  with  whom  dear 
Benjamin  spent  nearly  two  years,  whilst  his  uncle 
lived  in  Antwerp,  it  seemed  in  my  heart,  under,  I 
trust,  the  tendering  influence  of  best  love,  (and  with 
desire  that  we  may  not  live  regardless  or  forgetful 
of  those  who  oft  advised  and  counselled  us,)  to  have, 
as  a  substitute  for  manuscript  communication,  a  few 
copies  struck  off*  for  the  benefit  of  my  younger  chil- 


301 

dren,  trusting  it  will  also  prove  acceptable  to  the 
dear  offspring  of  riper  years; — as  he  was  a  most 
tender  parent,  and  they  have  no  outward  portrait  of 
him  to  look  upon,  they  may  bear  in  recollection  the 
pious  concern  of  their  dear  father  for  them,  as  he 
often  impressively  said,  he  fully  believed  in  the 
control  of  an  overruling  providence  in  the  affairs  of 
men,  of  which  he  could  speak  from  experience  and 
a  knowledge  thereof — frequently  expressing  the  im- 
portance of  an  adherence  to  simplicity  and  modera- 
tion in  all  our  views,  with  fervent  desire  that  his 
children  might  be  preserved  therein;  being  firmly 
persuaded  that  nothing  short  of  an  attention  to  this 
blessed  principle,  inwardly  revealed  in  the  soul, 
which  reproves  for  doing  evil  and  commends  for 
doing  well,  would  promote  happiness  in  passing 
along  through  time  or  at  the  close  thereof — saying 
in  effect, 

"Religion  does  not  censure  or  exclude 
Unnumbered  pleasures,  harmlessly  pursued." 

And  this  was  his  testimony  concerning  his  dear  son 
Benjamin,  of  whom  I  have  frequently  heard  him 
speak  in  the  most  tender  manner,  and  that  his  duti- 
ful and  engaging  behaviour  to  him  greatly  endeared 
this  lovely  youth,  who  has  left  a  sweet  memorial 
behind  him. 

Although  my  dear  husband  had  strong  ties  to  life, 
which  he  felt  nature  to  bind  him  very  closely  to, 
he  was  almost  daily  looking  for  and  speaking  of  his 
change,  particularly  of  latter  time,  feeling  increased 
infirmity,  when  he  frequently  expressed  he  felt 
nothing  in  his  heart  but  love  toward  every  body. 
Seeing  the  beauty  and  purity  of  the  christian  reli- 
gion, as  early  in  life  unfolded  on  his  mind,  he  often 
regretted  his  own  shortcoming  and  unfaithfulness. 

He  was  attacked  on  the  night  of  the  8th  of  5th 
26* 


302 

month,  with  a  difficulty  of  breathing,  and  when  the 
physician  was  called  in,  he  considered  him  alarm- 
ingly ill.  My  dear  husband  remarked,  that  he  did 
not  know  that  he  could  do  much  for  him,  but  said 
in  a  composed  state  of  mind,  "I  am  willing  to  go — 
pray  for  me." 

He  said  at  one  time,  "I  feel  that  this  sickness  is 
unto  death;  I  have  no  expectation  of  recovering 
from  it,  neither  do  I  desire  it:  the  world  and  all  its 
enjoyments  are  stained  in  my  view.  I  long  to  be 
released;  my  hope  and  confidence  are  in  the  mercy 
of  God  through  Christ.  I  trust  that  my  sins  will 
be  forgiven;  and  my  prayers  are,  that  I  may  be 
endued  with  patience  to  wait  the  Lord's  time." 

In  a  few  days  he  was  able  to  ride  out  several 
times,  being  tenderly  lifted  into  his  carriage  by  his 
sons,  who  were  unremitting  in  their  attentions  to 
him,  and  attend  to  some  calls  of  duty,  which  he  felt 
impressive  on  his  mind;  one  of  which  was  to  hand 
some  aid  to  a  person  who  had  been  dependent  upon 
him — and  when  it  was  remarked  that  the  fatigue 
might  be  too  much  for  him,  as  he  had  rode  in  the 
morning,  he  replied,  he  might  not  be  so  well  the 
next  day — which  proved  to  be  the  case,  insomuch 
that  he  would  have  been  unable  to  have  attended  to 
it  afterwards.  On  First  day,  the  14th,  he  became 
anxious  his  two  daughters,  whom  he  tenderly  loved, 
should  be  sent  for  from  Weston  school,  saying,  "it 
would  be  too  much  for  them  to  come  home  and  find 
him  a  corpse." 

He  watched  at  his  front  chamber  window,  and 
saw  his  faithful  servant,  Morris  Hall,*  set  off  for 

*  It  may  not  be  unworthy  of  notice,  that  this  faithful  coloured 
man  remains,  unchanged  in  life  and  practice,  with  H.  L.  S.  and 
her  family — and  is,  I  confidently  believe,  during  his  leisure  from 
his  services  therein,  fulfilling  his  religious  duties  usefully  among 
his  own  people,  in  a  very  exemplary  manner. 


303 

them.  He  had  given  the  most  careful  directions  to 
him  to  avoid  exciting  any  alarm  in  their  minds. 
On  that  day  he  spoke  of  his  past  life,  ^*how  signally 
he  had  been  led  along;  the  many  preservations  he 
had  experienced  by  being  attentive  to  that  inward 
monitor;  he  had  been  helped  in  an  uncommon  man- 
ner in  his  outward  concerns;"  and  concluded  "that 
his  life  had  been  a  remarkable  one."  Yea  the  won- 
derful display  of  divine  goodness  toward  him  in 
early  life,  and  the  tender  visitation  of  heavenly  love 
that  he  experienced  was  a  subject  he  dwelt  much  on 
for  years  past,  and  in  the  frequent  recital  thereof, 
tears  of  contrition  would  flow  down  his  cheeks,  and 
gratitude  of  soul  caused  his  cup  to  overflow,  for  the 
mercies  and  favours  dispensed  to  him  all  his  life 
long. 

During  his  life  he  was  often  comforted  and  refresh- 
ed on  the  morning  of  the  day  before  he  went  out,  as 
well  as  at  other  times,  in  having  read  to  him  por- 
tions of  the  scriptures  of  truth  suited  to  his  own 
state  and  condition,  as  well  as  the  experience  of 
those  who  had  been  devoted  in  their  day  to  the 
cause  of  truth  and  righteousness. 

On  First-day,  the  21st,  a  young  person  called, 
who  was  invited  up  stairs.  After  she  left  him  he 
said,  ^^I  am  glad  she  came,  I  felt  much  love  to  flow 
towards  her." 

The  last  day  he  rode  out,  on  the  24th,  he  appear- 
ed so  ill  that  it  was  doubtful  his  surviving;  he  de- 
sired us  not  to  hold  him,  saying,  **weep  not  for  me 
but  weep  for  yourselves;  I  long  to  be  with  Jesus;" 
and  frequently  said  to  his  little  children,  "go  on 
your  knees  and  pray  that  your  dear  father  may  have 
an  easy  passage."  To  his  beloved  son  Joseph,  who 
was  endeavouring  to  support  him,  he  raised  his 
voice,  and  most  feelingly  exprest,  when  his  mind 
was  solemnly  engaged  on  his  own  account,  ''he  be- 


304 

lieved  a  portion  of  the  Spirit  would  be  poured  on 
him  to  pray  for  him,"  almost  constantly  saying  to 
me  "my  dear,  pray  for  me."  During  his  indispo- 
sition, he  recounted  the  Lord's  mercies,  saying, 
"glory,  honour  and  praise,"  with  fervent  prayer 
and  advice  for  the  good  of  his  family,  tenderly  en- 
joining his  younger  children  to  "live  in  love,  and 
be  a  comfort  to  your  dear  mother."  He  often 
spoke  of  them,  particularly  of  his  youngest  daughter, 
in  her  eighth  year,  who  was  inexpressibly  near  to 
him.  Addressing  his  wife,  he  said,  "My  dear,  keep 
them  close  to  thee;"  and  observed,  that  he  thought 
his  connexion  with  his  present  wife  had  been  a  re- 
markable one — that  after  the  death  of  his  beloved 
son  Benjamin,  he  thought  of  uniting  himself  in  mar- 
riage, and  was  much  exercised,  desiring  to  be 
rightly  directed  therein — that  as  he  sat  in  the  North 
meeting  under  discouragement,  she  got  up  and 
spoke,  and  a  language  ran  through  his  mind — that 
is  the  person;  after  which  he  became  calm.  And 
in  the  afflicting  dispensations  meted  out  to  him,  he 
often  commemorated  that  he  had  been  blest  in  form- 
ing several  times  this  important  connexion. 

On  a  friend's  visiting  him  and  speaking  of  his 
recovery,  he  said,  '^Not  my  will,  but  thine  be 
done;"  and  remarked  that  the  Almighty  could  heal 
him  of  his  disease,  if  consistent  with  his  wisdom — 
that  he  should  consider  it  a  miracle — but  that  if  He 
did  raise  him,  he  hoped  to  dedicate  his  life  unto 
him  more  than  he  ever  had  done. 

On  Seventh-day  before  his  close,  a  near  connex- 
ion who  had  been  absent  during  part  of  his  illness, 
called  to  see  him;  he  said,  "Dear  brother,  we  have 
been  acquainted  many  years — I  have  always  loved 
thee — I  have  been  dying  these  four  days — the  suf- 
ferings of  death  are  hard  to  bear,  but  there  is  no 
terror." 


305 

I  have  experienced  close  bereavement  in  the 
severing;  stroke  of  this  most  tender  tie,  which  at 
times  is  overwhelming  to  my  feelings,  though  at- 
tended with  the  balm  of  consolation,  that  the  righte- 
ous have  hope  in  theirdeath,  and  thathe  is  removed 
from  a  scene  of  conflict  and  suffering,  which  his 
peculiarly  feeling  mind  unavoidably  participated  in: 
which  reflection  I  desire  may  prove  a  stay  and  sup- 
port to  my  mind ;  that  if  future  days  should  be  allotted 
to  me,  the  resigned  language  of  my  heart  may  be, 
"The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away: 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord."  Therefore,  in 
witnessing  his  favoured  state  whilst  waiting  upon 
him,  I  was  constrained  on  the  bed  of  sickness  to 
"magnify  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  rejoiced  in  God 
my  Saviour"  on  his  account — for  he  had  often  been 
brought  very  low — was  humble  and  diffident  to  a 
fault  of  his  own  abilities;  tender,  kind,  and  compas- 
sionate, particularly  to  the  poor,  towards  whom  he 
was  willing  to  do  good  and  communicate,  being 
much  redeemed  and  loosened  from  the  love  of  the 
world,  not  placing  his  affections  on  sublunary  things. 

He  requested  a  friend  who  frequently  visited  him 
within  two  or  three  days  before  his  departure,  to 
write  to  his  dear  daughter,  Ann  S.  Rotch,  at  New 
Bedford,  and  give  an  account  of  his  situation,  as  she 
was  unavoidably  prevented  being  with  him.  And 
in  the  separation  which  her  residence  there  occasion- 
ed, often  caused  his  fond  heart  mentally  to  visit  her 
and  family  with  desire  and  much  solicitude,  that  by 
obedience  to  every  requisition  of  duty,  they  might 
insure  the  best  of  blessings. 

Language  is  inadequate  to  convey  all  that  he  felt 
of  the  deep  and  lively  engagement  of  mind,  I  was  a 
witness  to,  for  our  present  and  eternal  welfare,  that 
we  might  act  uprightly,  "do  justly,  love  mercy,  and 
walk  humbly  with  our  God." 


306 

Thus  the  tribute  of  tender  affection  has  led  me  to 
speak  and  believe  a  mansion  of  rest  and  peace  was 
prepared  for  him,  which  was  the  earnest  craving  of 
his  soul,  to  be  prepared  to  enter  and  find  mercy. 
For  he  felt  he  had  nothing  to  trust  in  but  the  mercy 
of  God  through  an  infinitely  gracious  Redeemer. 

And  here  I  may  remark,  after  being  happily 
united  in  marriage  within  a  few  days  of  sixteen 
years,  that  my  beloved  husband  was  removed  from 
us  in  a  quiet  and  peaceful  sleep,  without  the  least 
change  in  his  countenance,  on  the  night  of  the  29th 
of  5th  mo.  1826,  in  the  67th  year  of  his  age,  and 
his  earthly  tabernacle  committed,  under  the  feeling 
of  much  serenity  and  solemnity,  in  Friends  new 
burial  ground,  in  Philadelphia,  on  the  evening  of 
the  1st  of  6th  mo. 


%B.n  Eulogium  on  the  Character  of  Benjamin 
Ridgivay  Smith,  late  a  member  of  the  Ameri- 
can Literary  Jissociation:  delivered  by  appoint- 
ment of  that  Society,  on  the  1 3/A  of  March, 
1809,  by  Roberts  Vaux,  Vice-President  of  the 
Institution. 

Peace  to  the  memory  of  a  man  of  worth, 
A  man  of  letters,  and  of  manners  too! 

******** 

was  honoured,  loved  and  wept. 


By  more  than  one Cowper. 

{First  Printed  in  1809.) 

My  Friends  and  Colleagues, 

The  solemnity  with  which  this  assembly  is  in- 
vested, the  eloquence  of  silent  grief  that  has  gained 


307 

an  influence  in  our  bosoms,  by  awakening  and  in- 
teresting the  best  affections  and  sensibilities  of  the 
mind,  convey  more  feelingly  than  language  can 
express,  that  we  have  met  for  no  ordinary  purpose. 

It  is  the  first  occasion  since  the  establishment  of 
our  institution,  on  which  we  behold  cheerfulness 
yielding  her  empire  to  the  dominion  of  sorrow, 
within  these  walls. 

Never  before  was  our  literary  circle  invaded  by 
tnat  messenger,  whose  decree,  when  the  mortal  is 
commanded  "to  put  on  immortality,"  is  irresistible 
and  final. 

But  that  Almighty  Being  who  presides  on  high, 
in  providence  and  wisdom,  just,  incomprehensible, 
and  eternal,  has  permitted  death  to  triumph  over 
the  corporeal  existence  of  a  fellow  member;  and  the 
grave  has  received  him,  whose  presence  we  have 
hailed  with  pleasure  here,  but  whose  place  amongst 
us  is  now  vacated  for  ever! 

Conforming  to  a  practice,  which  has  the  high  and 
honourable  example  of  ancient  and  modern  times  to 
recommend  it  to  our  adoption,  we  are  now  con- 
vened to  pay  an  unfeigned  tribute  of  affection  to  his 
memory. 

His  many  virtues  entitled  him  to  our  love  and 
esteem;  and  the  influence  of  them  on  his  conduct, 
during  the  short  period  of  his  existence  on  the  thea- 
tre of  this  world,  has  afforded  us  a  lucid  example  of 
their  value,  at  once  deserving  our  imitation  and  our 
praise. 

To  delineate  and  record  the  character  of  Ben- 
jamin R.  Smith,  is  the  duty  which  your  too  partial 
choice  has  devolved  on  me,  and  to  the  performance 
of  which  I  proceed,  by  no  means  unconscious  of  the 
inferiority  of  my  abilities  to  do  justice  to  the  sub- 
ject and  to  you. 

He  was  born  on  the  21st  of  September,  1787,  at 


308 

the  village  of  Camden,  in  New-Jersey,  and  came 
with  his  parents  to  reside  in  this  city  at  an  infant 
period  of  his  life;  and  here  it  was  that  he  received 
the  first  principles  of  his  scholastic  education. 

At  the  early  age  of  eight  years,  he  was  placed  at 
a  boarding-school  in  Burlington,  on  his  native  soil, 
under  the  tuition  of  a  celebrated  instructor,  and  soon 
perfected  himself  in  the  higher  branches  of  learning. 

Returning  to  Philadelphia  in  the  year  1801,  he 
commenced  the  study  of  the  Latin  language — a 
pupil  of  an  able  preceptor  in  the  seminary  founded 
by  Penn,  the  honourable  proprietor  of  Pennsylva- 
nia; and  rapidly  progressed  to  an  intimate  know- 
ledge of  that  sublime  repository  of  ancient  literature. 
With  equal  assiduity  and  success,  he  obtained  an 
acquaintance  with  the  rudiments  and  structure  of 
the  French  language,  which  afterwards  received  the 
polish  of  fluent  and  elegant  expression  by  the  prac- 
tical use  of  it  in  Europe. 

Having  finished  his  education  before  fifteen  annual 
revolutions  had  noted  his  existence,  and  being 
naturally  of  a  delicate  and  tender  frame,  perhaps 
inheriting  in  his  system  the  seeds  of  pulmonary 
disease,  added  to  an  evident  decline  of  youthful 
vigour — the  plan  for  his  visiting  the  more  mild  and 
genial  climate  of  Europe,  was  suggested  and  deter- 
mined on. 

In  the  spring  of  1802,  he  took  leave  of  his  friends 
and  his  country,  and  embarked  for  Antwerp,  a  city 
in  Germany,  on  the  river  Scheld;  which,  in  ages 
past,  was  one  of  the  most  celebrated  commercial 
towns  in  that  part  of  the  world  By  the  influence, 
however,  of  contending  interests  and  superior  power, 
the  highway  to  its  quays  was  interdicted,  and  it  re- 
mained a  spectacle  of  deserted  greatness  and  moul- 
dering ruin,  until  within  these  few  years  past,  when 
resuscitated  by  the  changing  circumstances  of  Eu- 


309 

ropean  policy,  the  navigation  of  the  Scheld  was 
opened;  and  succeeding  to  the  rank  of  local  and 
national  importance  which  it  before  enjoyed,  Ant- 
werp became  the  continental  resort  for  the  once 
flourishing  commerce  of  the  United  States.  At  that 
place,  an  uncle  of  our  departed  friend,  had  some 
time  previously  resided,  as  the  principal  of  an  ex- 
tensive commercial  establishment. 

But  to  pursue  the  story  of  his  life,  we  find  that 
in  the  month  of  July,  immediately  succeeding  his 
departure  from  America,  he  arrived  in  England, 
where  having  remained  a  few  days,  he  hastened  to 
partake  of  the  society  and  friendship  of  his  relatives 
at  Antwerp. 

Connected  with  the  hope  of  improving  his  deli- 
cate and  precarious  health,  by  visiting  another 
hemisphere,  he  was  anxious  to  acquire  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  mercantile  transactions;  to  cultivate 
his  mind,  by  inquiring  into  the  literature,  customs 
and  manners  of  the  countries  through  which  he  de- 
signed to  travel;  to  expand  his  views  with  behold- 
ing a  new,  interesting,  and  variegated  page,  in  the 
great  volume  of  nature  and  history  of  man. 

On  his  arrival  at  Antwerp,  he  directed  his  atten- 
tion to  the  regular  duties  of  a  merchant,  in  the 
counting-house  of  Ridgway,  Mertens,  and  Company, 
under  the  liberal  auspices  of  his  uncle,  with  an  ex- 
tensive opportunity  for  obtaining  the  information 
that  he  desired;  and  in  this,  as  in  every  other  occu- 
pation of  his  life,  he  was  zealously  and  commendably 
diligent.  It  was  at  this  time  also  that  he  renewed 
the  study  of  the  French  language,  of  which  he  soon 
became  master;  and  in  the  autumn  of  1803,  he  made 
his  first  principal  excursion  by  a  visit  to  Paris.  On 
his  journey  to  the  metropolis  of  France,  he  passed 
through  a  country  which  was  calculated  by  its 
variety,  healthfulness  and  charms,  to  invigorate  his 
21 


310 

system,  and  increase  the  store  of  his  information. 
He  remained  in  Paris  about  a  month,  during  which 
time  he  was  employed  in  acquiring  every  thing  that 
could  be  learned  from  an  attentive  view  of  the  nu- 
merous public  buildings,  exhibitions  and  reposito- 
ries, of  all  that  is  rare  or  elegant  in  nature  and  in 
art;  for  the  display  of  which  that  mistress  of  cities 
is  so  justly  celebrated.  And  whilst  he  embraced 
the  means  that  were  thus  afforded  him  to  gratify  his 
curiosity,  he  was  equally  attentive  to  seize  the  ad- 
vantages which  were  presented  to  his  acceptance, 
for  increasing  the  fund  of  his  intellectual  attain- 
ments. He  returned  to  Antwerp  in  better  health 
than  he  left  it,  and  resumed  his  accustomed  habits 
of  industry  and  study. 

In  the  winter  of  1803,  he  visited  Pyrmont,  a 
town  in  Westphalia,  famous  for  its  mineral  waters; 
and  at  that  time  he  obtained  a  complete  knowledge 
of  the  German  language. 

The  establishment  of  his  health  being  still  his 
principal  object,  he  sought  its  attainment  by  frequent 
journeys;  and  hence  we  find,  that  from  Pyrmont  he 
went  to  Bremen,  Hamburgh,  and  various  other 
places,  previously  to  his  return  to  Antwerp  in  the 
summer  of  1805.  In  February,  1806,  he  embarked 
for  his  native  country,  and  after  a  passage  attended 
with  tempestuous  weather,  and  many  distressing 
privations,  in  consequence  of  its  having  been  pro- 
tracted to  upwards  of  90  days,  he  arrived  to  the 
bosom  of  his  family  at  home,  who  in  common  with 
his  friends,  had  suffered  the  most  painful  anxieties 
on  account  of  his  long  delay.  His  health,  it  was 
fondly  hoped,  had  now  become  re-established;  his 
mind  was  actively  engaged  in  various  pursuits,  par- 
ticularly those  of  a  literary  nature;  in  the  prosecu- 
tion of  which,  he  became  a  member  of  this  associa- 
tion in  the  month  of  November,  1806. 


311 

Having  arrived  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years, 
his  indulgent  and  affectionate  father  made  an  arrange- 
nnent  for  his  son,  to  supply  his  place  in  commercial 
concerns,  and  sought  repose  in  retirement  from  the 
perplexing  cares  of  business;  and  this  desirable 
object  he  saw  effected. 

In  consequence  of  the  energies  and  enterprise  of 
our  merchants  being  paralyzed  by  an  embargo  im- 
posed by  the  national  government,  the  general  stag- 
nation of  business  afforded  an  opportunity  to  our 
friend,  whose  life  we  are  reviewing,  to  make  a  tour 
to  the  eastern  part  of  the  United  States.  In  the 
autumn  of  last  year  he  left  Philadelphia,  and  visited 
all  the  sea  ports,  and  many  of  the  principal  inland 
towns  in  their  vicinity,  which  are  in  New  England. 
It  was  during  his  absence  at  that  time,  that  he  con- 
tracted a  catarrh,  which  induced  him  to  apply  for 
medical  assistance;  and  having  so  much  recovered 
as  to  be  enabled  to  travel,  he  returned  to  his  father's 
residence,  then  at  Burlington,  in  New  Jersey,  in 
the  month  of  October. 

He  had  not  been  long  there  before  his  indisposi- 
tion was  renewed  with  aggravated  symptoms.  His 
father,  alarmed  at  the  situation  of  his  precious  child, 
and  desirous  that  every  effort  of  human  skill  should 
be  employed  fpr  his  recovery,  immediately  brought 
him  to  this  city.  For  about  a  week  after  his  arrival 
in  Philadelphia,  he  was  so  well  as  to  ride  many 
miles  in  the  day,  an  exercise  recommended  by  his 
physician;  but  alas!  the  death-like  chill  and  con- 
suming fever,  alternately  increasing  in  the  vigour 
of  their  attacks,  soon  brought  him  to  his  chamber, 
and  ultimately  confined  him  to  his  bed.  The  first 
medical  talents  were  now  engaged  to  succour  him, 
and  if  the  faithful  exercise  of  their  best  judgments, 
aided  by  the  unremitting  attentions  of  his  family 
around  him,  could  have  availed  in  opposing  the 


312 

rapid  career  of  his  disease,  then  he  would  not  have 
been  its  victim!  But  in  vain  were  all  these  exer- 
tions. After  patiently  yielding  to  every  prescrip- 
tion he  was  favoured  to  see  a  considerable  time 
before  his  death,  that  though 

"An  angel's  arm  could  not  rescue  him  from  the  grave, 
Myriads  of  angels  could  not  keep  him  there," 

In  this  happy  state  of  resignation,  his  mind  was 
irradiated  with  beams  of  heavenly  light!  He  beheld 
the  glories  of  the  kingdom  that  was  prepared  for 
him,  and  seemed  gradually  to  unloosen  every  tie 
which  he  had  on  this  world.  Reduced  at  length  to 
the  appearance  of  a  shadow,  having  endured  great 
pain  of  body  without  murmuring,  on  the  morning 
of  the  27th  of  February,  in  the  twenty-second  year 
of  his  age,  commending  his  spirit  to  the  mercy  of 
his  Creator,  he  peacefully  departed,  and  0!  how 
joyful  must  that  end  have  been! 

"For  his  last  faltering  accents  whispered  praise." 

Such  is  the  history  of  the  most  prominent  events 
in  the  life,  such  was  the  death  of  Benjamin  R. 
Smith.  It  is  my  duty  now  to  consider  his  charac- 
ter; but  I  am  sensible,  that  to  portray  it  with  fidelity, 
to  place  it  before  your  view,  neither  heightened  in 
its  colours  by  the  ardour  of  afiection  on  the  one 
hand,  nor  too  lightly  pictured  by  a  desire  to  avoid 
the  imputation  of  fulsome  eulogy  on  the  other, 
would  require  a  more  discerning  judgment,  and  still 
more  accurate  pencil  than  mine  to  execute. 

His  natural  disposition  was  mild,  and  to  those 
who  were  not  intimately  acquainted  with  him,  it 
might  have  been  considered  in  some  degree  reserv- 
ed. His  judgment  was  sound,  and  in  the  formation 
of  his  opinions,  he  allowed  it  to  have  that  full  ope- 
ration which  generally  characterizes   the   man  of 


313 

correct  sentiments.  Having  adopted  an  opinion,  he 
was  zealous,  though  conciliatory  in  enforcing  it; 
attentive  and  respectful  to  the  arguments  of  his  op- 
ponents, communicating  his  ideas  with  method  and 
perspicuity,  and  relinquishing  them  only  when  con- 
vinced of  their  injurious  tendency. 

His  talents,  which  were  early  developed,  rose 
above  mediocrity,  though  perhaps  they  could  not  be 
entitled  to  the  character  of  splendid  genius;  but  he 
appears  to  us  in  a  much  more  exemplary  point  of 
view,  when  we  consider  how  amply  his  mind  was 
furnished  with  useful  information;  when  we  reflect, 
that  his  intellectual  faculties  were  invigorated  and 
polished  by  studious  application. 

His  literary  acquirements  were  considerable;  he 
had  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  Latin  language  to 
correct  his  taste,  improve  his  style,  and  cultivate 
his  powers  of  imagination,  by  feasting  on  the  har- 
monious strains  of  Horace,  the  majestic  dignity  of 
Virgil's  Epic,  or  the  sublime  and  energetic  elo- 
quence of  Cicero.  He  spoke  the  French  and  Ger- 
man with  as  much  fluency  as  his  parent  tongue: 
history  and  natural  philosophy  were  favourite  sub- 
jects of  his  contemplation,  whilst  miscellaneous 
reading,  the  productions  of  the  moralist,  the  poet, 
and  the  politician,  equally  engaged  a  share  of  his 
attention.  As  a  merchant,  he  was  intelligent  and 
respectable;  his  knowledge  of  the  various  subjects 
which  have  relation  to  the  commercial  transactions 
of  our  own  country,  as  well  as  the  more  intricate 
modes  of  procedure  in  foreign  places,  was  unusual 
for  a  person  of  his  age. 

His  views  of  life,  and  the  enjoyments  of  it,  were 
rational.  He  followed  not  the  fickle  dame  of 
fashion,  in  all  her  senseless  round  of  inconsisten- 
cies; nor  was  his  inquiring  mind  caught  by  the  glare 
of  splendour,  which  is  too  frequently  esteemed  as 
27* 


814 

the  constituent  principle  of  happiness,  but  often, 
only  a 

"Gay  title  of  the  deepest  misery." 

He  was  cautious  in  forming  his  attachments,  but 
when  his  friendship  was  obtained,  it  wasdurable.  He 
was  always  gratified  with  the  society  of  his  friends, 
received  and  entertained  them  with  the  most  un- 
affected hospitality;  and  although  his  habits  were 
domestic,  he  did  not  deny  himself  the  pleasures 
which  are  derived  from  innocent  recreations.     His 
manners  were  affable  and  engaging,  and  whilst  his 
demeanour  was  dignified,  and  excited  our  respect, 
he  discovered  none  of  those  inflated  conceits,  that 
always   denote   the   superficial  gentleman.     His 
filial  duties  were  performed  with  more  than  usual 
zeal  and  obedience;  in  return  for  which,  perhaps  no 
father  ever  afforded  an  example  of  more  confidence 
and  affection.     His  morality  was  pure;  and  during 
his  last  illness,  the  principles  of  religious  education, 
which  were  early  implanted  in  his  heart,  became 
an  object  of  his  most  serious  consideration.     His 
thoughts  were  turned  to  investigate  the  awful,  and 
interesting  obligations  of  man,  in  relation  with  his 
Creator;  and  his  sincere  desires  to  be  made  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  important  doctrines  of 
Christianity  were  gratified,  insomuch,  that  a  pious 
and  sympathizing  friend,  who  frequently  conversed 
with  him,  expressed  his  opinion  that  his  knowledge 
of  those  deep  subjects  was  uncommonly  extensive; 
emphatically   pronouncing   him    "«    preacher    of 
righteousness.^^     Indeed,  had  not  his  mind  been 
sustained  by  the  consoling  evidence,  that  through 
the  merits  of  his  Saviour  it  would  be  made  a  par- 
taker with  the  joys  of  its  divine  original,  when  the 
conflict  of  nature  was  over,  he   could   never  have 


315 

borne  his  long  and  painful  indisposition  with  the 
fortitude  and  composure  that  he  did. 

Some  of  you  my  friends,  with  myself,  were  wit- 
nesses of  his  serenity,  his  patience,  and  his  resigna- 
tion; to  wait  at  his  couch,  and  administer  to  his 
wants,  was  an  office  which  we  performed  with  emo- 
tions of  pleasing  melancholy;  and  next  to  the  self- 
approving  reflection,  that  we  wer^  employed  in  the 
best  of  social  duties,  it  is  gratifying  to  know,  that 
but  a  few  days  before  the  object  of  our  care  was 
committed  to  the  tomb,  he  expressed  the  grateful 
sense  he  felt  for  those  attentions.  He  was  among 
the  number  of  those,  who  believed  that  a  beneficent 
Creator  had  not  endowed  his  creature  man,  with  the 
exalted  faculty  of  reason,  merely  as  a  distinguishing 
mark  that  he  is  a  grade  superior  to  the  ^'hrute  that 
perishesf^  but  on  the  contrary,  viewing  him  as  a 
being  ' 'little  lower  than  the  angels ^^  an  ''heir  of 
immortality;^^  and,  conceiving  his  existence  in  this 
world  probationary,  in  order  for  a  preparation  to 
inherit  enduring  felicity,  he  esteemed  the  improve- 
ment of  the  mind  as  a  great  duty.  Hence  he  de- 
voted much  of  his  time  to  expand  his  intellect  with 
useful  knowledge;  not  as  an  essential  prelude  to 
future  happiness,  but  as  a  mean  by  which  he  could 
contemplate  the  attributes  of  the  Deity  with  more 
delight;  and  by  investigating  those  laws  of  nature, 
which  the  human  understanding  is  capable  of  com- 
prehending more  efiectually 

"Vindicate  the  ways  of  God  to  man." 

Of  his  literary  productions  we  have  but  few  speci- 
mens; during  his  visit  to  Europe  he  maintained  an 
epistolary  correspondence  with  his  father,  and  one 
or  two  of  his  most  intimate  friends.  His  letters  are 
written  with  that  familiarity  and  ease,  which  is 
peculiarly  pleasing;  and  the  information  which  they 


316 

contain,  exemplifies  and  establishes  an  assertion 
previously  made,  that  his  judgment  was  discerning, 
his  observation  accurate  and  attentive,  his  language 
chaste,  the  manner  of  communicating  his  thoughts 
perspicuous,  and  his  opinions  valuable.  In  a  jour- 
nal too,  which  he  kept  on  his  journey  from  Antwerp 
to  Pyrmont,  as  well  as  that  on  his  recent  tour 
through  the  eastern  section  of  his  own  country,  we 
have  corroborating  proofs  of  his  intelligent  mind. 

Such  is  an  imperfect  estimate  of  his  character; 
and  connecting  it  with  the  incidents  of  his  life 
originally  noticed,  you  are  furnished  with  some 
data,  on  which  to  decide  how  great  were  his  quali- 
fications, how  considerable  the  opportunities  for  his 
improvement,  and  how  well  he  employed  those  ad- 
vantages. 

With  a  mind  enriched  by  a  liberal  education, — 
with  his  knowledge  of  mankind  enlarged  by  the 
various  means  which  foreign  travel  had  placed  in 
his  possession, — with  prospects  the  most  flattering 
as  they  respected  his  pecuniary  resources, 

"To  the  bright  shore  of  manhood  he  eagerly  flew;" 

but  had  scarcely  unfurled  the  sails  of  his  fragile 

barque,   and  began  to  feel  the  influence  of  those 

gentle  gales,  which  promised  to  waft  him  to  honour 

and  preferment,  than  alas!  the  tempest  of  disease 

assailed   him,  and  from  the  ocean  of  life,  he  was 

suddenly  driven  into  the  gulf  of  eternity.     Thus, 

"Death's  flying  sickle  cuts  the  flowers  of  time, 
And  Virtue's  fairest  friends  in  bloom  expire." 

The  daily  instances  of  mortality  which  we  behold, 
the  removal  of  an  individual  we  were  accustomed 
to  see,  but  of  whom  we  knew  no  more  than  that  he 
lived,  seldom  fails  to  impress  the  mind  of  sensibility 
with  melancholy  reflections;  but  when  a  friend  and 
a  companion,  to  whose  worth  we  are  not  strangers. 


SI  7 

with  whom  we  frequently  exchanged  the  mutual 
offices  of  affection,  who  was  joined  with  us  as  in  this 
case,  in  travelling  the  paths  of  literature  and  of 
science,  is  taken  away,  it  is  indeed  a  fruitful  source 
of  sincere  mourning.  That  such  emotions  have  a 
place  in  our  breasts  on  the  present  occasion,  cannot 
be  questioned;  and  if  the  expression  of  our  sympa- 
thy and  condolence,  can  assuage  the  grief  which 
rends  the  bosom  of  the  parent,  the  demise  of  whose 
son  we  now  deplore,  it  is  offered. 

The  loss  we  have  sustained  as  individuals,  as 
members  of  this  association,  and  as  the  constituents 
of  the  more  enlarged  circle  of  society,  cannot  be 
calculated.  What  services  he  might  have  rendered 
to  the  community  in  which  he  resided,  how  valuable 
he  might  have  been  to  his  country,  in  a  religious  or 
civil  capacity,  is  not  for  us  to  determine.  We  have 
only  now  to  improve  by  his  good  example,  in 
imitating  those  virtues  which  adorned  him  when 
amongst  us.  In  his  life  there  is  much  to  instruct  us, 
by  his  death  we  may  be  wisely  admonished;  for  in 
the  language  of  Horace, 

■  properat  cursu 

vita  citato 

and  giving  to  this  interesting  reflection  its  just 
weight,  let  it  excite  us  to  an  ardent  fulfilment  of 
our  various  duties  on  earth,  indulging  the  hope, 
that  we  may  become  the  companions  of  his  spirit  in 
heaven ! 


318 
Dear  Madam, 

I  thank  you  for  the  opportunity  you  allow  me  of 
adding  to  your  memorial  an  acknowledgment  of  the 
great  kindness  I  received  from  your  lamented  hus- 
band, and  my  early  friend — Mr.  James  Smith. 

When  I  was  about  thirteen  years  of  age,  he  saw 
some  verses  1  had  written,  sent  for  me  to  his  house, 
and  encouraged  me  to  endeavour  to  improve  my- 
self. I  recollect  that  upon  the  first  visit  to  him  he 
went  to  the  door  with  me  on  my  departure,  and 
filled  my  hand  with  silver  "to  buy  books."  Some 
months  afterwards  he  proposed  to  send  me  to  a 
boarding  school  at  Haddonfield,  New  Jersey — under 
the  care  of  Mr.  Stephen  Munsen  Day— to  whom  he 
afterwards  sent  his  own  son.  This  offer  was  the 
more  welcome  to  my  mother,  because  a  gentleman 
had  offered  to  give  me  a  regular  education  at  a  Ro- 
man Catholic  college  in  Maryland,  to  which  she  was 
averse.  Mr.  Smith's  offer  was  preferred,  and  I  re- 
mained nearly  a  year  at  school  at  his  expense.  I 
had  here  an  opportunity  of  improvement  in  many 
branches  of  learning  that  would  otherwise  have 
been  entirely  beyond  my  means — and  the  prosecu- 
tion of  my  studies,  the  kindness  of  my  preceptor 
and  his  wife,  and  the  friendship  of  many  estimable 
families  in  that  neighbourhood,  made  this  year  the 
happiest  I  had  ever  lived. 

I  have  always  recollected  this  great  kindness  with 
gratitude.  1  never  had  any  means  of  proving  it  to 
Mr.  Smith — and  now  the  opportunity  has  passed 
forever — but  I  shall  esteem  it  a  sacred  duty  to  him 
(if  Providence  ever  place  it  in  my  power)  to  do  the 
same  kindness  to  some  poor  lad;  and  thus  the  effect 
of  your  husband's  beneficence  may  be  felt  for  years 
after  he  has  ceased  to  exist. 

I  remain,  dear  Madam,  affectionately,  your  friend, 

E.  LITTELL. 
Mrs.  Hannah  L.  Smith. 

Philadelphia,  24th  Dec.  1826. 


319 


DEBORAH  LOGAN. 

The  honourably  distinguished  and  pious  Deborah 
Logan,  is  no  longer  an  inhabitant  of  this  earth. 
She  who  was  "the  honour  of  her  husband,''*  the 
ornament  of  society,  and  an  example  of  the  chris- 
tian graces,  departed  this  life  at  Stenton,  the  family 
seat  and  place  of  her  last  residence,  situated  near  Ger- 
mantown,  aged  seventy-seven  years,  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  2nd  of  Second-month,  1839. 

She  was  remarkably  gifted  and  endowed  with  the 
spirit  of  the  gospel,  which  breathes  "Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest,  on  earth  peace  and  good  will  to 
man."  She  was  indeed  a  mother  in  Israel,  and  in 
the  church  I  have  felt  her  to  be  so,  having  often 
there  been  a  witness  of  the  solemnity  and  ingather- 
ing of  her  spirit  at  the  footstool  of  Divine  mercy. 

She  was  an  example  of  early  rising,  which  no 
doubt  contributed  to  prolong  health  in  her  originally 
fine  constitution — "looking  well  to  the  ways  of  her 
household." 

So  recently  as  the  13th  of  12th  month  last,  she 
attended  meeting  on  the  occasion  of  my  daughter'st 
marriage,  and  signed  her  name  to  the  certificate, 
which  is  a  valuable  testimony  of  her  friendship  and 
regard.  Her  kindness  has  been  indelibly  printed 
on  my  heart  and  mind  from  a  child.  She  was  the 
wife  of  my  mother's  own  brother,  George  Logan — 
and  both  of  my  dear  parents  (Thomas  and  Sarah 
Logan  Fisher)  had  a  feeling,  high  sense  of  her 
worth,  and  a  strong  attachment  to  her. 

She  was  a  blessing   in  her  family,  among  her 

*  Doctor  George  Logan,  deceased. 

t  Esther  Fisher  Smith— married  to  Mifflin  Wistar,  M.  D. 


320 

friends,  and  the  neighbourhood  where  she  lived,  has 
emphatically  left  the  admonition,  follow  me,  as  I 
endeavoured  to  follow  Christ,  the  meek  Lamb  of 
God — ever  bearing  in  mind,  by  this  shall  all  men 
know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have  love  one 
unto  another — in  the  language  of  Scripture — <'For. 
she  opened  her  mouth  with  w^isdom;  and  in  her 
tongue  was  the  law  of  kindness" — and  whilst  use- 
fully engaged  in  religious  and  literary  pursuits,  she 
was  remarkably  attentive  to  the  domestic  duties  of 
life — affording  comfort  and  assistance  in  a  conspicu- 
ous exemplary  manner  to  every  one  around  her, 
worthy  of  imitation  to  the  young  and  rising  gene- 
ration. Much  more  might  be  said — but,  though 
dead,  she  will  speak — and  I  leave  it  to  an  abler  pen 
to  delineate,  more  fully,  her  estimable  character. 

Her  remains  were  entombed  in  the  enclosure  on 
the  plantation  of  Stenton  farm,  (which  has  been  in 
the  family  more  than  one  hundred  years,)  with 
much  feeling  and  solemnity,  by  numerous  connec- 
tions, friends  and  neighbours,  evincing  much  affec- 
tionate regard,  respect,  and  esteem — on  the  after- 
noon of  the  5th  of  2nd  month,  1839. 

H.  L.  S. 

Died,  at  Stenton,  on  the  2nd  of  2nd  month,  1839, 
Deborah  Logan,  relict  of  the  late  Dr.  George 
Logan,  in  the  7Sth  year  of  her  age. 

In  the  death  of  this  estimable  and  extraordinary 
woman,  her  friends  and  acquaintances  have  sustain- 
ed a  loss  which  cannot  be  supplied.  Fitted  by  her 
intellectual  endowments  to  shine  in  every  circle, 
her  society  was  sought  by  individuals  of  all  parties 
during  the  stormy  political  scenes  that  occurred  in 
the  earlier  period  of  her  life;  hence  she  became  ac- 
quainted with  many  of  those  whose  names  stand 
conspicuous  in  the  history  of  the  struggle  for  inde- 


321 

pendence,  and  her  memory  was  stored  with  anec- 
dotes relating  to  this  interesting  period. 

Most  of  the  distinguished  foreigners  who  visited 
Philadelphia,  shared  her  hospitality,  and  perhaps 
in  no  single  instance  did  a  visiter  leave  her  mansion 
without  being  favourably  impressed  by  her  genuine 
politeness  and  by  the  suavity  of  her  manners,  which 
sprung  from  a  heart  fraught  with  kind  and  generous 
feelings  to  all. 

But  those  only  who  knew  her  well,  and  who 
witnessed  in  the  domestic  circle  her  fulfilment  of 
every  duty,  can  appreciate  her  character  in  all  its 
excellence. 

She  was  a  devoted  wife,  an  affectionate  mother, 
and  a  faithful  friend.  She  did  all  things  well — hos- 
pitable and  generous  and  noble  in  all  her  feelings, 
she  was  in  all  situations  the  lady,  and  always  the 
Christian. 

She  was  a  Quaker,  without  sectarianism,  and 
adorned  its  profession  by  a  life  marked  by  the  purest 
principles  of  virtue  and  truth.  She  was  dignified 
without  ostentation — humble  without  servility. 

Many  of  her  leisure  hours  were  devoted  to  re- 
searches into  the  early  history  of  the  state,  for  which 
the  most  ample  materials  existed  in  manuscripts 
under  her  own  roof. 

Several  thousand  pages  of  original  letters  relating 
to  the  subject  were  copied  by  her,  with  remarks  and 
annotations,  and  it  is  presumed  that  no  individual 
now  living  had  an  equal  knowledge  of  the  character 
of  those  who  founded  the  colony,  or  of  its  early 
history. — Her  writings  upon  other  subjects  are 
known  to  be  extensive,  and  though  they  may  involve 
too  much  individual  character  to  be  seen  by  society 
at  large,  yet  they  are  so  strongly  marked  by  her 
own  gifted  mind  as  to  be  invaluable  to  her  own 
friends.  W.  L.  F. 

28 


322 


Mrs.  Deborah  Logan,  the  refined,  the  enlight- 
ened, and  the  good,  now  sleeps  in  death!  She  died 
at  the  family  seat,  at  Stenton,  near  Germantown,  on 
the  2nd  inst.  in  the  78th  year  of  her  age. 

It  is  not  often  that  a  person  descends  to  the  tomb 
leaving  so  wide,  so  deep  a  void.  Matured  and  fitted 
as  she  was  for  eternity,  she  is  nevertheless  painfully 
missed  from  the  circle  which  she  adorned — a  gene- 
ral gloom  afiects  and  saddens  her  numerous  friends. 

All  ranks  and  classes  among  us  knew  something 
of  her  peculiar  excellence, — the  poor  and  the  igno- 
rant, as  well  as  the  cultivated  and  refined.  Her 
manners  possessed  a  peculiarly  winning  grace  and 
ease,  strongly  expressive  of  benevolence  and  polish- 
ed politeness  combined.  Her  ability  to  adapt  her- 
self to  all  circumstances  and  to  all  and  every  occa- 
sion of  life,  shone  in  her  actions  with  all  the  grace 
and  purity  of  christian  love  and  gentleness, — for  she 
was  deeply  imbued  with  christian  afiections  and 
graces. 

To  love  such  a  lovely  woman,  was  instinctive 
in  all  who  approached  her — she  was  the  delight  of 
the  young,  and  the  beloved  of  the  aged.  Rarely 
indeed  does  it  fall  to  the  lot  of  humanity,  in  old  age, 
to  possess  so  many  points  of  attraction — so  many 
traits  of  loveliness  and  goodness — worthy  to  be  ad- 
mired in  life,  and  fondly  remembered  in  death. 

That  she  was  of  a  superior  order  of  female  excel- 
lence and  intelligence,  may  be  inferred  from  her  fine 
talents,  as  a  composuist,  both  in  prose  and  verse. 
Her  modesty  and  unwillingness  to  meet  the  public 
gaze,  did  not  allow  her  to  come  before  the  world  in 
her  proper  name;  but  it  is  known  to  some  that  she 
has  received  the  emphatic  name  of  "the  female  His- 


323 

torian  of  Pennsylvania,"  as  due  to  her  for  the  large 
manuscript  collections  of  historical  papers  which  she 
had  compiled  and  elucidated  for  future  public  in- 
struction. She  delighted  to  live  in  the  memory  of 
the  past,  and  her  mind  was  therefore  rich  in  the 
imagery  of  other  times: 

You  might  have  ask'd  her,  and  she  could  have  told, 
How,  step  by  step,  her  native  place  threw  off 
Its  rude  colonial  vestments,  for  the  garb 
That  cities  wear. 

And  she  could  give  recitals  of  a  race, 
Now  rooted  up  and  perish'd.     Many  a  date 
And  legend,  slumbers  in  that  ample  breast, 
Which  History  coveted. 

J.  F.  W. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Historical  Society  of  Penn- 
sylvania, held  at  the  Philosophical  Hall,  on  Mon- 
day the  4th  of  February,  1839, 

Peter  S.  Du  Ponceau,  LL.  D.,  President  of  the 
Society,  w^as  called  to  the  chair,  and  James  J.  Bar- 
clay was  appointed  Secretary. 

Job  R.  Tyson,  Esq.  stated  that  the  society  had 
been  convened  to  pay  a  tribute  of  respect  to  the 
memory  of  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan,  who  departed 
this  life  on  the  2nd  instant,  at  Stenton. 

He  dilated  upon  the  claims  which  the  venerable 
deceased  .had  to  the  respect  and  regard  of  the  people 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  especially  to  the  members  of 
the  Historical  Society  for  her  devotion  to  historical 
researches,  and  the  zeal  she  displayed  in  regard  to 
the  fair  fame  of  early  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  Tyson  offered  the  following  resolutions, 
which  were  seconded  by  Mr.  Vaughan  and  unani- 
mously adopted: 

Resolved,  That  we  have  learned  with  deep  emo- 
tion, of  the  death  of  our  cherished  associate,  Mrs. 
Deborah  Logan,  a  lady  whose  pure  virtues,  mental 


324 

endowments,  and  attractive  gentleness  of  manners, 
rendered  her  the  ornament  of  this  society,  and  the 
pride  of  her  numerous  friends. 

Resolved,  That  the  history  of  Provincial  Penn- 
sylvania has  lost  in  Mrs.  Logan  an  enlightened  and 
able  illustrator,  and  the  beautiful  simplicity  of  pro- 
vincial manners  one  of  its  truest  and  most  faithful 
representatives. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  con- 
vey a  copy  of  these  resolutions  to  the  surviving  son 
of  the  deceased. 

The  Chair  appointed  Mr.  Tyson,  Mr.  Vaughan, 
Mr.  J.  F.  Fisher,  and  Mr.  Barclay, the  Committee ;  and 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Vaughan,  the  President  was 
added  to  the  Committee. 

On  motion,  it  was  Resolved,  That  the  proceed- 
ings of  this  meeting  be  published.     Adjourned. 

PETER  S.   DU  PONCEAU,  Pres't. 

Attest — James  J.  Barclay,  Sec'ry. 

(f^^  In  consequence  of  the  deeply  lamented  death 
of  Mrs.  Deborah  Logan,  the  Philadelphia  and 
Loganian  Libraries  will  not  be  opened  to-day. 


From  "  The  Friend:^ 

DEBORAH  LOGAN. 

Died,  at  Stenton,  near  Germantown,  Pennsyl- 
vania, on  the  2nd  of  2nd  month,  1839,  Deborah 
Logan,  relict  of  the  late  Doctor  George  Logan,  in 
the  7Sth  year  of  her  age. 

The  pen  of  friendship  is  rarely  called  upon  to 
record  the  departure  of  so  much  excellence  as  this 
extraordinary  woman  united  in  her  character.    Born 


325 

a  member  of  the  religious  society  of  Friends,  and 
cherishing  its  principles  from  a  conviction  of  their 
truth,  her  life  was  marked  by  the  exercise  of  the 
virtues  to  which  they  lead;  and  in  her  frequent 
intercourse  with  persons  of  every  religious  profes- 
sion, she  always  maintained  the  dignity  and  sim- 
plicity of  a  Friend. 

Endowed  by  nature  with  more  than  usual  mental 
powers,  she  used  them  to  the  advantage  of  her  family 
and  her  country;  her  society  was  sought  by  the  old 
for  the  information  she  could  impart,  and  by  the 
young  for  her  cheerfulness  and  suavity;  the  kind- 
ness of  her  welcome  was  conspicuous  to  all  who 
approached  her,  and  attested  the  interest  which  she 
felt  in  the  whole  human  race. 

The  eventful  period  of  her  early  life  found  her 
associated  in  the  circle  of  those  whose  lives,  from 
patriotic  and  virtuous  motives,  were  devoted  to  the 
public  good;  and  by  these  she  was  highly  esteemed. 
Her  conversation  was  replete  with  anecdotes  of  the 
most  eminent  amongst  them,  whose  names  will  be 
handed  down  to  posterity,  not  only  as  the  great,  but 
as  the  good.  She  employed  herself  for  a  number 
of  years  in  researches  connected  with  the  early  his- 
tory of  Pennsylvania;  and  she  is  understood  espe- 
cially to  have  compiled  from  the  papers  of  her 
husband's  ancestor,  James  Logan,  the  confidential 
friend  and  secretary  of  William  Penn,  a  curious  and 
highly  interesting  account  of  the  views  of  that  great 
man  and  his  colleagues  regarding  the  settlement  of 
his  infant  colony,  its  advantages,  and  the  prospect 
it  held  out  for  the  future  exercise  of  liberty  of  con- 
science. In  this  compilation  will  be  found  the  cor- 
respondence of  William  Penn,  for  a  long  series  of 
years,  together  with  letters  from  his  wife,  who  took 
charge  of  the  interests  of  her  husband  during  his 
protracted  sickness,  and  ordered  the  affairs  of  the 


326 

government  with  such  soundness  of  judgment  and 
clearness  of  view,  as  indicated  a  high  state  of  mental 
endowments. 

In  speaking  of  the  recent  departure  of  a  friend 
so  extensively  known  and  esteemed  as  Deborah 
Logan,  the  writer  desires  not  to  indulge  in  much 
remark.  Yet  in  justice  to  her  well  regulated  mind, 
it  may  also  be  observed,  she  was  such  a  rigid  econo- 
mist of  time,  as  to  accustom  herself  to  rise  often 
before  the  dawn,  that  her  domestic  duties  might  not 
be  infringed  upon  by  her  literary  pursuits.  Much 
of  the  voluminous  correspondence  alluded  to  was 
copied  during  those  early  hours  too  frequently  given 
to  repose;  thus  she  lived  as  one  accountable  for  the 
talent  lent;  and  when  the  insidious  approaches  of 
disease  convinced  her  that  the  undeniable  messenger 
was  near,  she  died  in  that  holy  confidence  which 
can  alone  sustain  the  mind  at  that  solemn  period. 


G.   DORSEY,   PRINTER, 
LIBRARY  STREET. 


POSTSCRIPT. 


My  esteemed  friend,  E.  Littell,  who  has  assisted  me  in  pre- 
paring this  book  for  the  press,  having  been  much  taken  up  with 
other  business,  has  unintentionally  omitted  several  matters  which 
it  was  very  desirable  to  have  inserted.  On  this  account  I  supply 
here  a  few  memorandums. 

Died,  in  1798,  at  the  Cliffs  on  the  Schuylkill,  at 
the  house  of  his  uncle  Samuel  R.  Fisher,  Thomas 
Fisher,  son  of  Miers  Fisher,  about  twenty-one  years 
of  age.  His  friends  and  society  have  experienced 
a  truly  great  and  deplorable  loss  in  the  death  of  this 
amiable  young  man,  who  was  of  an  agreeable  coun- 
tenance and  person,  and  great  brilliancy  of  talents. 
He  added,  such  an  assiduity  in  the  pursuit  of  literary 
acquirements,  as  gave  fair  promises  of  future  cele- 
brity. Mild  and  unaffected  in  his  manners,  and 
possessed  of  uncommon  mental  excellence,  he  lived 
beloved  and  died  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him. 

Joshua  Fisher,  son  of  Thomas,  deceased  10  mo. 
28,  1806,  much  and  deservedly  regretted.  His  son, 
my  esteemed  nephew,  Joshua  Francis  Fisher, 
was  recently  married,  as  was  also  Charles  Henry 
Fisher,  my  brother  James'  youngest  son. 

Thomas  Fisher,  deceased  9  mo.  6,  1810,  in  his 
seventieth  year.     Of  him  it  may  be  justly  said,  he 


2 

was  a  most  amiable,  affectionate  relation,  in  every 
sense  of  the  word.  Receiving  his  friends  and  con- 
nections with  openness  and  a  tenderness  inexpress- 
ible, as  many  of  them  may  remember,  when  the 
tears  of  affection  would  flow  down  his  cheeks  that 
rendered  him  incapable  of  utterance.  It  was  painful 
to  him  to  hear  the  failings  of  others  spoken  of,  for 
he  was  desirous  to  embrace  all.  He  loved  the  truth, 
and  was  anxiously  concerned  for  his  children  to 
walk  therein,  as  the  only  safe  path  through  the 
wilderness  of  this  world,  believing  therein  preser- 
vation would  attend  them.  Much  more  lives  in 
my  heart  respecting  him  who,  without  the  least 
partiality,  I  may  say,  was  one  of  the  best  and  ten- 
derest  parents  that  ever  children  were  blessed  with. 
It  pleased  the  Almighty  to  separate  him  from  them 
by  a  gradual  failure  of  his  strength  and  faculties,  so 
that  he  passed  quietly  away  without  suffering  the 
pain  of  dissolution — an  event  which  he  had  looked 
towards  for  some  years,  and  was  desirous  more  than 
any  earthly  enjoyment  to  be  found  in  a  state  of 
acceptance. 

My  valued,  respected  uncle,  Samuel  Rowland 
Fisher,  a  most  conscientious  and  upright  man  in 
all  his  dealings,  deceased  5  mo.  6,  1834. 

H.  L.  S. 
5ih  Month,  1839. 


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